"This is the first realistic chance we've had to revise the industrial relations structure of this country since Mrs. Thatcher came to power in 1979."

- Lord John Hendy KC

Will the Employment Rights Bill improve pay and conditions for British workers?

Leading labour law experts Lord John Hendy KC and Prof. Keith Ewing address the absence of sectoral collective bargaining from the Labour government’s new Employment Rights Bill.

These two industrial relations law heavyweights argue that the Bill leaves UK workers vulnerable to exploitation from companies hostile to collective agreements.

"The minimum wage is the ceiling, and there's nothing above it."

- Professor Keith Ewing

They expound Britain’s historical sectoral bargaining arrangements, their evisceration under Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and the urgent need to reinstate trade union powers to negotiate effectively across entire industries.

Hosted by Institute of Employment Rights Director, James Harrison.

Topics & Questions:

Sectoral Bargaining: Why is it crucial for improving wages and working conditions?

Legislative Limitations: Does the Bill adequately address the need for sectoral bargaining?

Government Responsibility: Should the government take a more active role in promoting sectoral collective bargaining?

Chapters:

00:04 Welcome

02:16 Sectoral Collective Bargaining: Why It Matters

05:19 Britain's Low Collective Coverage

06:50 Minsters Control Bargaining

08:39 Stable Labour Costs And Higher Tax Revenues

11:28 Now Or Never For Collective Bargaining

14:16 US Vs European Model

16:27 Successful Economies Use Sectoral Bargaining

19:43 Recognition Procedures: A Fatal Weakness

24:51 The Outlook for Terms And Conditions

28:49 Thank You For Joining Us

Takeaways:

Sectoral collective bargaining is essential for achieving fair wages, better working conditions, and a more equitable society.

The Employment Rights Bill misses a generational opportunity to strengthen workers' rights by failing to adequately support sectoral bargaining.

Without reform, the UK risks continued wage stagnation and deteriorating working conditions.

Credits:

The IER podcast is sponsored by Thompsons Solicitors.

For Thompsons resources and advice on Trade Union law visit thompsonstradeunion.law

This podcast is produced for IER by Creative Kin.

To find out more, visit creativekin.co.uk/ier

Recorded at Creative Kin's London studios.

Studio Producer and Editor: Jason Caffrey

Theme Music: Daniel Jorgensen