This book tells the story of the Trade Disputes Act 1906, in celebration of
its centenary. That Act was one of the most important pieces of labour
legislation ever passed by a British Parliament. It provided very simple
legal protection for the right to strike for sixty-five years, and left a legacy which is found on the statute book to this day.

The last edition of Federation News contained a series of articles from trade union General Secretaries outlining why they believe the time is right for a Trade Union Rights and Freedoms Bill. This edition takes up the same theme with a selection of essays from legal and academic experts highlighting the historical, legal and political arguments for a Bill.

IER's publications for the year are listed in the left hand column. Click on a title to read more,to place your order or to download an order form for distribution.

As part of the New Labour agenda for renewing better funded public services, there has been a sharp increase in the role of the private sector in public services delivery. Areas of the public realm once almost exclusively undertaken by the public sector – such as defence and criminal justice - have seen the private sector play an increasingly prominent role. Indeed, according to this report 93% of workplaces are outsourcing four or more services previously done by their own employees.