Documents Edward Elgar 234 results

"Precarious work is a current concern throughout Europe as a result of the proliferation of new types of employment related to the gig economy. This timely book, positioned at the intersection between European and national labour law, provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal and social policy challenges arising from this phenomenon.
Since the 2008 financial crisis, there has been an increasing need to respond to the rise of precarious work and the risk it poses to the European model of secure employment and social protection, which this book thoroughly explores. Chapters first consider the theoretical foundations of the issue, before examining the key characteristics and dynamics of employment regulation in Europe related to precarious work, as well as surveying recent judicial decisions. The book demonstrates the potential for improved labour regulation and case law to address the situation both at EU and national level.
Precarious Work will prove invaluable to law, politics, sociology and anthropology scholars with an interest in the phenomenon of precarious labour. Lawyers, policymakers and other practitioners working in this area will also find this book a useful resource."

"This book unpacks what political economy is and does through an investigation of its main questions and approaches. Bob Hancké, Toon Van Overbeke and Dustin Voss offer a historical and thematic review of the evolution of political-economic thought, centred on the relation between capitalism and democracy.
Chapters discuss how interests, ideas and institutions are the methodological and conceptual building blocks of political economy. The authors use these concepts to understand how markets work and why they fail, the problems facing the welfare state, the political economy of voting and democracy, and the problems of cooperation in a world of interdependent democracies. Covering the main analytical approaches that political economists have developed to tackle the complexities of this social world, the book expands on some of the most important questions confronting the field."

"This unique book offers a comprehensive systematization and overview of the EU´s emerging ‘acquis' and practice of Collective Labour Law. Although the core aspects of Collective Labour Law lie outside the EU's competence to regulate, the laws and industrial relations systems of Member States are undoubtedly influenced by the EU, and the involvement of Social Partners, i.e. representatives of employers and workers, is essential for many aspects of EU law and policy.

Featuring contributions from scholars and practitioners from across Europe, the first part of the book provides an introduction to key aspects, theories and topics of EU Collective Labour Law, including discussion of relevant EU law and case law of the Court of Justice of the EU. Chapters then move on to analyse and reflect on the most fundamental and challenging subtopics, questions and issues in this area, engaging with current debates and potential future developments. Respecting differences in views, approaches, and evaluations, it offers a variety of perspectives on the relationship between Collective Labour Law and the EU."

"This Concise Introduction illuminates the conflict, cooperation and complex issues surrounding employment relations. Richard Hyman, a leading expert in the field, clearly explains how the reality of employment interactions and the academic understanding of the subject have been transformed by globalisation, neoliberalism and financialisation.
Key Features:
Focuses on those involved in the governance of labour, from employers to trade unions
Synthesises several decades of research to help the reader understand the growth of precarious work
Critically discusses contemporary challenges, including the aftereffects of COVID-19 and the climate crisis"

"This Handbook provides an insightful analysis of how long-term transformations are impacting labour markets globally. It argues for a proactive approach to market regulation that promotes mobility by anticipating labour market needs and disruptions before they become crises.

Esteemed contributing authors examine the profound impacts of digital, demographic and green transitions within global markets, emphasising the need to address structural inequalities caused by phenomena such as the gender pay gap and the falling labour supply. The Handbook comprises both original empirical analysis and a systematic review of literature, painting a well-rounded picture of historical, current and future labour landscapes. Ultimately, this timely Handbook stresses how crucial it is for educational systems and labour market policies to adapt more dynamically to the rapid pace of change."

"This forward-thinking book focuses on current and future challenges facing employment law in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Leading experts in the field discuss the need for legislative intervention in the three nations and examine differences in their judicial attitudes.

Chapters explore the need for stronger regulatory employment models to ensure the economic security and personal autonomy of workers. They also highlight the need for enhanced support and flexible working conditions, particularly for casual workers and those on the margins of the workforce. The book debates the ethics of surveillance technology and draws parallels between excessive control and psycho-social harm in the workplace. Reflecting on the global fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, it addresses the impact of shifting professional relationships on working conditions and contracts, which are predominantly dictated by employers."

"In this timely and insightful book, Laura Maxim evaluates the use of socio-economic analysis (SEA) in the regulation of potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic chemicals. Retracing the history of the use of cost-benefit analysis in chemical risk policies, this book presents contemporary discourse on the political success of SEA.

Informed by empirical research, theoretical analysis, and professional experience in implementing EU Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), Maxim proposes a new form of risk regulation called ‘regulatory co-management', of which SEA has become a convenient tool. Chapters outline the controversy surrounding cost-benefit analysis in the US, the history of chemical regulation in Europe since 1967, and the construction and institutionalization of the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) socio-economic guidelines. The book concludes by analyzing legal, political, and ethical criticisms of the role of SEA in the authorization of chemicals such as lead chromate, chromium trioxide, and sodium dichromate."

"This comprehensive book explores key theories and concepts in the study of work and employment relations. Expert authors provide a detailed guide to the essential theories behind the ever-changing world of employment, presenting their own perspectives on these ideas.

Chapters are organised into four thematic parts, encompassing the employment relationship, managerial challenges, the experience and conceptualisation of work, and trade unionism and resistance. The book features a range of diverse voices, with contributions from both leading scholars and emerging academics who have made crucial advancements in the field. Ultimately, Theories and Concepts in Work and Employment Relations aims to deepen our understanding of the key ideas in the study of employment, creating a framework for future academic discourse and debate."