Adam, Duncan

Smartphone car service Uber, a successful company example of the sharing economy, has spread to many EU Member States in recent years. However, many employers and unions are concerned about its challenge to fair competition for other businesses in the sector and about the erosion of working conditions for drivers. It remains to be seen whether there is some ground for EU- level regulation in this field.

The newly elected UK government changes strike ballot legislation as part of the controversial Trade Union Bill.

TUC survey findings highlight the labour market disadvantage of black and Asian workers in terms of pay and employment contract.

Research published by the CIPD examines the extent and nature of conflict in UK workplaces.  In April 2015, the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) published research into conflict at work. Based on a representativ...

Changing patterns of work organisation for civil servants in the UK are examined in a new report based on surveys of union members. Its recommendations could have wider applicability in the public sector because, since the research was undertaken, the right to request flexible working arrangements has been extended to all employees.

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 puts an end to the use of exclusivity clauses in zero-hours contracts.

The workers are employed through a recruitment agency to work at the retailer's distribution centre in Swindon, which is run by DHL.

A bill banning exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts was introduced to parliament in July 2014 (although the government has resisted calls for an outright ban on such contracts). Exclusivity clauses stop workers from seeking work with other employers, even when no amount of work is set out in the employment contract.

The right to request flexible working was extended to all UK employees with at least 26 weeks’ service with the same employer on 30 June 2014. This right had only been available to carers and parents. Unions have said this does not go far enough, while employer groups have questioned whether legislation was necessary.

Findings from the UK Employer Skills Survey 2013 highlights a sharp rise in skills shortages. The report argues this could hold back the UK’s economic recovery. Although the number of vacancies had returned to pre-recession levels, employers were increasingly finding some were difficult to fill.