Employee Relations: An International Journal

Levinson, Anita

1987 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/eb055098

Selfregulation of health and safety within a legal framework was recommended by the Robens Committee Report 1972. Every organisation will be affected by various factors, both internal and external, which will determine how selfregulation of health and safety will evolve, and these factors will also influence the effectiveness of joint selfregulation by management and representatives of the workforce. The effects of some of these internal factors on joint selfregulation of health and safety in a Scottish local authority are focused on mainly, while, at the same time, some of the external factors are identified.

Burnes, Bernard

1987 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/eb055099

Little consideration has been given to the role supervisors play in managing the introduction of new technology. Ignoring their role is shortsighted since supervisors can have a significant effect on the success of new systems. Drawing on research conducted in nine engineering companies, little awareness of forward planning in relation to the human dimensions of technical change is found. There is a crucial need for proper training of supervisors, although the exact approach will depend on the position occupied by them.

Beaumont, P.B.; Cairns, L.

1987 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/eb055100

During the current decade, trade union membership has dropped by about 25 per cent, primarily due to the decline in manufacturing establishments in major urban centres. At the same time, there has been a growth in the number of new firms starting up in business. Based on research in those Scottish New Towns, it is found that the proportion of firms which recognise unions is much lower than that for the UK as a whole. Trade unions, it is argued, need to adopt much stronger organising initiatives in such locations if they are to tap in to potential members in these firms.

Oram, Steve

1987 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/eb055101

A comparative study of trade union finances, in particular those of SOGAT and the NGA, shows that these two printing unions face severe financial problems, although this is caused, in part, by their high levels of expenditure compared with other unions. Subscriptions are also much higher than for the average of all trade unions. Doubts are expressed as to whether the membership will continue to support their unions to such an extent.

Brough, Ian

1987 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/eb055102

Two recent studies have asked clients for their views of the effectiveness of the advisory service of ACAS. Both found strong support for this service, although doubts are expressed as to whether an independent national survey managed to achieve a representative crosssection of views given considerable nonresponse to its questionnaire. ACAS proved to be especially important to small firms in a Scottish rural area, calling into question the decline in help by ACAS to this area of industry.