Employment Law

Question 1

What is a trade union

Answer 1

An organised association of workers in a particular industry

Question 2

What is the role of a trade union

Answer 2

Representing and protecting its members, often using bargaining power during negotiations

Question 3

Advantages of being a member of a trade union

Answer 3

• Increase ability to negotiate

- Protect you from unfair dismissal

Question 4

2 benefits of trade unionism to employer

Answer 4

• Save time and cost rather than dealing with individuals

- Employee morale and motivation is increased, thus so is productivity

Question 5

What are some reasons for union membership decline

Answer 5

• Reduced employment in manufacturing and increased in services
• Growth in number of small firms, employees don’t feel they need it
• Growth In flexible working
• Increase In self-employed

Question 6

What is an impact of declining trade union membership

Answer 6

They now have significantly less bargaining power, as well as less influence on pay

Question 7

Disadvantages of trade unionism to employer

Answer 7

• Less negotiation power
• Time consuming negotiations
• Costs of what employees are lobbying for eg increase wage

Question 8

What is an evaluation point of being in a trade union

Answer 8

Little evidence to suggest that it increases negotiation power or employee motivation

Question 10

What are examples of legislation that effect relationship between employee and employer

Answer 10

• Minimum wage
• Health and safety
• Dismissal
• Date protection
• Equality
• Contracts of employment

Question 11

What is a contract of employment also known as

Answer 11

A statement of written particulars

Question 12

What is a contract of employment

Answer 12

A written document containing a summary of the main terms of employment, such as pay and working hours, that an employer must provide anyone who’s classed as an employee

Question 13

How does a contract of employment help to prevent disputes

Answer 13

It states all terms and conditions of employments and so can be used to see if there is a reason for a dispute

Question 14

What is meant by employer-employee relations

Answer 14

The relationship between management and workers at a national and local level

Question 15

What are employee-employee relations also known as

Answer 15

Industrial relations or employment relations

Question 16

What are 3 benefits of positive employer-employee relations

Answer 16

• Easier to manage change
• Employees likely time be more productive through respect for management
• Management know employees better and so can tailor how they treat them eg to motivate them

Question 17

What are 3 negative impacts of poor employer -employee relations

Answer 17

• Employees will be reluctant to change so change can be time consuming
• Reduced productivity due to lack of motivation
• Manager May delegate work to an employee that does not suit them

Question 18

What is the equality act

Answer 18

Legislation that protects people from discrimination in the work place and in wider society

Question 19

What is meant by discrimination

Answer 19

Treating a person unfairly because they possess certain characteristics

Question 20

What is meant by employee participation

Answer 20

Employees having the ability to participate in the decision making process at work

Question 21

What is employee participation also known as

Answer 21

Industrial democracy

Question 22

What are benefits of employee participation

Answer 22

• Reduce labour turnover
• Fewer days lost through absenteeism
• Implement and manage change more effectively

Question 23

What is a type of employee participation

Answer 23

Works council

Question 24

What is meant by a works council

Answer 24

A formal meeting of managers and employees to discuss pay and working conditions or grievances, and negotiate on issues such as change

Question 25

When is a works council a legal requirement

Answer 25

Large multinational companies operating in the EU

Question 33

What are the 3 types of industrial action

Answer 33

Strike - refusal to work
Overtime ban - Refusal if overtime
Working to rule - Working to terms in contract