Employee Relations

Course Content:

The focus of this module is the relationship between employers and employees. We
examine the nature of this relationship and the significance of its key features for the
relative power and position of the two main parties. We consider how the employment
relationship is regulated and controlled and the resulting outcomes for employers and
employees alike. In this regard, the role of trade unions, new employment relations
actors such as Citizens Advice, and internal company human resource management
systems are scrutinised and discussed. The impact of government legislation on
employee relations outcomes and processes is also examined, as are other contextual
influences such as the business environment, labour market and technological trends.

Topics covered include:

Autumn Semester:
? Key theories, concepts & models in analyzing the employment relationship
? The context of employee relations
? Trade unions & collective bargaining
? Human Resource Management and Non-Union Forms of Employee Voice
? New Employment Relations Actors
? UK & European Union government policies & laws and employee relations
? The business environment and employee relations

Spring Semester:
? Policies and procedures relating to discipline and dismissal
? Legal Regulation of Health & Safety
? Labour market trends and employment outcomes
? The employment experience of particular groups of workers (e.g. women and
migrant workers)
? The future of employee relations.
Teaching: Lectures and tutorials

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? Exam (60%)
? Group presentation and summary of evidence (15%)
? Coursework: Paired assignment (25%)
STUDY OPTION 2: Pair assignment and group presentation.
STUDY OPTION 3: Individual assignment and presentation

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer