Mark Hall

Ahead of the UK referendum on 23 June 2016 on the country’s membership of the European Union, the central social partner bodies, the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress, both strongly support continued EU membership though not all employers and unions do so. The stance of

The Conservative government’s Trade Union Act was passed in May 2016, introducing more stringent rules for strike ballots and industrial action. It also changes the regulations on union political funds, which could reduce the opposition Labour Party’s income. Opposition from unions and the House of

A statutory ‘national living wage’ comes into force in the United Kingdom on 1 April 2016 and will be phased in over four years, with the aim of reaching 60% of median UK earnings by 2020. Trade unions have welcomed the move while employer groups have expressed concern about some businesses’ ability

Amid the extensive debate about the UK’s relatively poor productivity record, a recent report from Acas identifies seven key factors for improving workplace productivity: well-designed work; skilled managers; effective conflict management; clarity about rights and responsibilities; fairness

The Conservative government wants to renegotiate the UK’s EU membership before holding a referendum on whether to stay in or leave the EU. The Trades Union Congress has warned that if the protections offered by EU employment law are removed, working people will be more likely to vote in favour of

Opportunities for flexible working are widely available in the UK and employers’ enthusiasm for the concept is increasing, a survey has shown. However, the government-funded survey has also provided a mixed picture of the awareness of these opportunities and of the use of recent statutory provisions

In a survey, UK businesses reported that using migrant workers has led to better business performance and productivity. This government-sponsored research into the impact of migrant workers on UK businesses suggests that migrant workers alleviate skill shortages and contribute to innovation, while

A 10-point plan to improve the enforcement of the national minimum wage in the UK has been published by the TUC. It estimates that at least 250,000 workers are not being paid the minimum wage, and the new Conservative government, elected in May 2015, has pledged to put this right.