The Institute of Employment Rights (IER) was established in 1989 to combat anti-trade union legislation enacted during the Thatcher era.

It has since created an extensive library of labour law resources with the help of a network of volunteer lawyers, academics, and trade unionists.

The IER aims to develop modern employment laws and offers publications, briefings, and conference papers.

Supporters can subscribe and receive newsletters at www.ier.org.uk.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Institute of Employment Rights

00:22 IER's Contributions and Resources

00:58 Support and Subscription Information

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.

Recorded at Creative Kin's London studios.

Studio Producer and Editor: Jason Caffrey

Theme Music: Daniel Jorgensen

What will Labour's new employment legislation bring for workers and trade unions?

In this insightful episode, Carolyn Jones Vice President of the Institute of Employment Rights is joined by Lord John Hendy KC and Professor Keith Ewing to discuss the imperative need for comprehensive reforms in UK labour laws.

Reflecting on changes since the Thatcher era, they explore critical issues such as sectoral collective bargaining, the establishment of a Ministry of Labour, and alignment with international legal standards.

Key topics include the Labour Party’s new Employment Rights Bill, the impact of weakened trade unions, the controversial nine-month probation period, and specific cases like the P&O Ferries dismissals.

The discussion emphasises the importance of effective enforcement mechanisms, protecting workers' rights, and the political dynamics influencing these legislative changes.

Listeners are encouraged to engage in the debate over these pressing labour law reforms.

About The Institute for Employment Rights

The IER aims to develop modern employment laws and offers publications, briefings, and conference papers.

Supporters can subscribe and receive newsletters at www.ier.org.uk.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 The Employment Rights Bill: A New Era For Workers?

00:37 Introduction

03:01 Why UK Labour Law Needs Revision

05:45 Four Pillars of Robust Employment Rights

07:41 A Ministry of Labour Still Needed

11:50 Sectoral Collective Bargaining

17:15 Collective Action, Collective Rights

20:02 P&O Ferries: A Case Study

22:48 Legal Impunity For Businesses

27:29 Day One Rights Vs Probation Periods

30:28 Amending The Employment Rights Bill

32:07 Conclusion

The IER podcast is supported 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.

Recorded at Creative Kin's London studios.

Studio Producer and Editor: Jason Caffrey

Theme Music: Daniel Jorgensen

How can the experience of prior legislation help get the best out of Labour's new Employment Rights Bill?

And will the Care Sector be the new flag-bearer for improved terms and conditions?

Carolyn Jones, Senior Vice President of the Institute of Employment Rights, leads a detailed discussion on Labour's new Employment Rights Bill.

Joined by IER Vice President Professor Lydia Hayes and Executive Committee member Sarah Veale, the panel examines past legislative experiences, challenges in drafting effective employment laws, and the need for precise legal wording.

Special focus is given to the radical shift towards sectoral collective bargaining in adult social care. Emphasis is given to the importance of union involvement, addressing systemic issues like unequal pay and the pitfalls of zero-hour contracts.

Despite challenges, new legislative consultations provide hope for fairer employment practices.

The show closes with a call to reinforce workers' power through unions, balancing collective and individual rights.

About The Institute of Employment Rights

The IER aims to develop modern employment laws and offers publications, briefings, and conference papers.

Supporters can subscribe and receive newsletters at www.ier.org.uk.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Getting The Bill Right: Lessons From Legislation Past

00:47 Introduction

04:31 Why Legal Language Matters

05:42 Balancing The Long View

06:32 Anticipating Problems With The New Bill

07:59 Rights For Part-Time Workers

09:58 How Employers Are Responding

12:04 Looking Forward: The Care Work Sector

14:46 Collective Bargaining In Adult Social Care

16:18 A New Voice For Care Workers?

20:03 Care work: A Marginalised Bellwether

23:50 Balancing Individual Vs Collective Rights

29:45 Conclusion

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.

Recorded at Creative Kin's London studios.

Studio Producer and Editor: Jason Caffrey

Theme Music: Daniel Jorgensen