Employers could be argued to have a strong influence over the States’ role in Employment Relations. Critically explore this statement in light of the nature and role of the State

Contemporary Perspectives in Employment Relations (BUMN152H6) 2022 – 2023

Essay topics

Please choose one of the following three topics. The essays should be entirely your own work, and up to 3000 words in length. The essay is worth 100 % of your mark.  

The topics will be presented briefly at the end of the session in week one and there will be a chance to discuss them and ask a few questions then. You will have a choice between three topics, covering a variety of different themes within the module. There will be other chances to ask questions about the essay topics and discuss general guidelines on writing a good essay later in the term, and a final discussion will form part of the closing session in week 9.  I will also provide a few suggested readings for each topic later in the term.

1. Employers could be argued to have a strong influence over the States’ role in Employment Relations. Critically explore this statement in light of the nature and role of the State.

2. In the UK and many other industrialised countries, trade unions have been in long-term decline. What are the main reasons for this decline? What are the current trends in trade union membership in the UK? 

3. Precarious forms of work (such as temporary, agency and platform work) are on the increase in the UK and many other countries. What is the main reason for this increase? What are the main advantages and disadvantages of precarious or flexible work?