This revised edition of Industrial Relations: Theory andPractice follows the approach established successfully inpreceding volumes edited by Paul Edwards. The focus is on Britainafter a decade of public policy which has once again altered theterrain on which employment relations develop. Government hasattempted to balance flexibility with fairness, preservinglight–touch regulation whilst introducing rights to minimum wagesand to employee representation in the workplace. Yet this is anopen economy, conditioned significantly by developing patterns ofinternational trade and by European Union policy initiatives. Thisinteraction of domestic and cross–national influences in analysisof changes in employment relations runs throughout the volume.
The structure has been amended slightly. Britain is placedstraight away in comparative perspective before attention focusesexplicitly on employment relations actors, contexts, processes, andoutcomes. Each of the chapters is written by authorities in thefield and provides up to date analysis and commentary. A spine ofchapters from the preceding volume have been revised andextensively updated and new chapters have been added to refinecoverage of issues such as the private sector and developing legalinstitutions.
Overall, a picture emerges of an economy that is in incrementaland contested transition. The imperatives of ′globalization′ nowinfuse governance mechanisms that were once responsive principallyto domestic agenda and employment standards are set now by thestate that once were established through collective bargaining. Itis this fragile and emerging model that will be testedsignificantly through sustained political and economic change.
"Completely revised, the latest edition of IndustrialRelations provides an invaluable guide to the actors, contexts,processes and significant outcomes within British employmentrelations. Based on a thorough review of the latest research, it isessential reading for students, academics and those professionallyinvolved in employment relations and human resourcemanagement."
Edmund Heery, Cardiff Business School
"This is a terrific collection of insightful analyses of Britishworkplace relations in a global context provided by leadingscholars. The chapters creatively utilize a multidisciplinary andcritical approach that reveals the continuing and unique value ofan industrial relations perspective. The volume cleverly assesseshow factors including increased demographic diversity,organizational restructuring, globalization, and the reducedcoverage of collective bargaining are affecting the nature andevolution of work and workplace relations. It is a must read.
Harry C. Katz, Cornell University, New York
"This volume definitely constitutes the most comprehensive andbest collection of empirical as well as analytical essays onindustrial relations in Great Britain. This substantially revised,enlarged and updated version of its well known predecessors putsthe specific national experience in comparative context andinternational perspective. A truly interdisciplinary volume byleading authorities, this has to be highly recommended for domesticas well as foreign scholars, practitioners and policymakers."
Bernt Keller, University of Konstanz, Germany
"With working people facing the worst crisis in generations,this book is a much needed reminder of the crucial importance ofemployment relations research in Britain. The 3rd edition ofIndustrial Relations, which coincides with the 40thanniversary of the IRRU at Warwick University, provides acompletely updated, cutting–edge analysis by leading scholars onwork and employment developments in contemporary Britain. Itdelivers a most informative view of modern employment, its problemsand possibilities. A must for students and practitioners inemployment relations, human resource management and industrialsociology."
Professor Carola Frege, London School of Economicsand Editor of BJIR