Union Rights... and Wrongs: the reform of Britain's anti-union laws by John Hendy QC

Legislation introduced in the UK since 1997 has undoubtedly put in place a more positive and worker-friendly framework of individual employment rights than existed in the deregulated days of the 1980s and '90s. Nevertheless, research reports show that many workers still fail to enjoy the benefit of these rights at work, contributing to a substantial increase in Tribunal claims.
At the same time, Britain still has "the most restrictive laws on trade unions in the western world" with many statutory controls on basic rights of representation, recognition and strike action remaining. This is despite the standards set and agreed at an international level and the growing popularity of trade unions in the UK.

In this short but extremely informative booklet, John Hendy QC - an internationally recognised expert in the field of trade union rights - provides a power-packed insight into the extent of the current restrictions on legitimate trade union activity and an analysis of what is needed to reform Britain's trade union laws.

This is a well-timed reminder of the positive role free and independent unions can play in establishing a socially just and economically efficient society.

Union Rights and Wrongs: the reform of Britain's anti-union laws John Hendy QC; A5; 52pp; ISBN 1 873271 86 7; Price for trade unions and subscribers £5, others £10; March 2001

International Trade Union Rights for the New Millennium by Keith Ewing and Tom Sibley

Following four years of research and consultation, this report highlights the need for those international labour standards concerning freedom of association to be consolidated, simplified and strengthened.
The authors suggest that the five existing ILO Conventions together with their associated jurisprudence should be consolidated into a single, comprehensive statement of Freedom of Association. They also suggest that there should be a new right for unions to bargain and take action at an international level to counterbalance the ever-increasing power of the transnationals.

International Trade Union Rights for the New Millennium K D Ewing and Tom Sibley; A5; 112pp; ISBN 1 873271 84 0; Price for trade unions and subscribers £8, others £30; December 2000

Employment Rights at Work: reviewing the Employment Relations Act 1999 edited by Professor Keith Ewing

The Employment Relations Act 1999 is the most important piece of trade union legislation for a generation. Included in its terms are procedures for union recognition and representation, a framework of family friendly policies, new protections against unfair dismissal and powers to extend the scope and coverage of employment protection legislation.
This book, prepared by a distinguished team of trade unionists, social scientists and lawyers, offers a unique and timely overview of the legislation. Each essay considers an aspect of the Employment Relations Act, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the legislation. More importantly, the book goes on to ask what more can be done?

Looking to a second term Labour government, this excellent book analysis how the current framework of law can be improved and extended. One chapter focuses on the need to bring trade union laws and the right to strike in line with international standards. Another focuses on Europe and looks at what more could be done to bring UK law in line with best European practices. The final chapter goes on to offer policy proposals for a second legislative step along the road to securing fairness at work. The book also contains as an appendix the full text of the Employment Relations Act.

The book is an excellent companion to the Institute's report Human Rights at Work. It is essential reading for all those interested in employment rights, industrial relations, human resource management and trade union rights.

Employment Rights at Work: reviewing the Employment Relations Act 1999; K D Ewing; 210×135mm; 352pp; ISBN 1 873271 85 9; Price for trade unions and subscribers £12, others £30; January 2001

Human Rights at Work edited by Professor Keith Ewing

The Human Rights Act 1998 came into force on 2nd October 2000. The Act incorporates the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms into UK law. It has been hailed as a radical departure in UK law-making, placing a duty on both Parliament and the Courts to ensure that all past and future legislation is read and given effect in a way which is compatible with Convention rights.
But what precisely are the rights introduced by the new Act? How will the new rights be used and enforced and what particular implication will the Human Rights Act have on rights at work? This authoritative book contains contributions from some of the leading legal practitioners and academics specialising in constitutional and employment law. It offers a timely insight into the problems and possibilities of the new legislation.

The book covers issues relating to privacy at work, the right to freedom of expression and association, the right to strike and the right not to suffer discrimination. It looks at how similar legislation has operated in Canada and briefly considers how the Human Rights Act will bring the UK judiciary ever closer to the centre of Britain's political process. The book also contains three extremely useful appendices looking at a proposed Code of Conduct on privacy at work, the nature of the judiciary in Britain and the full text of the Human Rights Act.

We believe this book offers a realistic overview of the new Act and its implications for workers and unions. There’s no hype. There’s no false expectations. Rather, each of the contributors bring a refreshingly sober analysis based on their unique experience and understanding of the law.

Human Rights at Work; K D Ewing; 210×135mm; 280pp; ISBN 1 873271 81 6; Price for trade unions and subscribers £12, others £30; November 2000