The Employment Relationship Flashcards
Who are the main people affected by the employment relationship?
Employer/Managers
Employees
Trade Unions for Collective/Individual Representation
Employee Representatives – Individual representation
UK Central Government
Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service ACAS www.acas.org.uk
Employer Organisations
With what step does the employment relationship start in the UK?
The employment contract which includes:
- The employment rights act 1996 and Employment act 2008
-Specific legal requirements
How does having a tight labour market affect the employment relationship?
Tight labour market = unemployment low & demand for labour high may drive up cost of salaries/wages
How does having a loose labour market affect the employment relationship?
Loose labour market = supply of labour high & demand for labour low few job vacancies
How does the employee relationship work for a zero hour contract?
Employee Relationship with Agency not directly with Employer – move from one job to next temp basis – some minimum statutory rights
No guarantee of paid employment at end of internship – can be v competitive & stressful
Define “hybrid working” and explain how it has affected employee relations
Hybrid working is when work is undertaken in a variety of locations such as at work and at home.
‘Hybrid working’ has gained attraction now some employers expect their staff not to return to the office on a full-time basis.
Give the unitary perspective on employment relationships
Assumption employers & employees have same interests therefore conflict should not exist
One source of authority – Management
Management role enforcing and commanding
Trade Unions viewed as trouble makers
If conflict occurs believed due to personality clashes or poor communication and not because of imbalance of power
Give the pluralist perspective on employment relationships
Organisation has lots of different groups and goals with different leaders
Management role persuading and coordinating
Trade Unions have a legitimate role to address and resolve conflict
Conflict inevitable – but could lead to innovation
Give reasons and examples of when employees have striked due to having bad employee relations.
Rail Strikes July 2023 Collective Action- want pay increase
Unsafe Working Conditions-Inadequate equipment/protection/training
Reduction in Employee Benefits-Removal of some benefits or employer contribution to benefit reduced – Right to flexible working from Day 1
Give an example of strikes that have taken place in the 3 organisational sectors
Public- NHS- asking for pay rise of more than 4% offered by gov
Private- BT- want more pay
3rd- Royal Park charity- want sick pay
What is a psychological contract?
Unwritten rules and expectations that exist between employer and an employee
What are trade unions?
A group that works on promoting the interest of its members through collective bargaining- negotiating the terms of employment contracts with employers. This is done by operating as a collective to ensure greater power.
Give an example of a trade union
Unite- largest UK trade union
What do trade union memberships include
Access to Training and Education
Some free online courses
Legal Services – assist with accidents with workplace
Financial advice including advice about debt
Discounts on products
What is the employee voice?
Techniques designed to encourage employees to contribute to Organisational Goals
This can be in the following ways:
Sharing information-e.g., team briefing
Financial participation- profit related pay
Commitment to quality- teamwork, continuous improvement
