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1. Introduction
Much has changed in employment relations over the very recent past, not least the public prominence that is devoted to the subject. Whilst in the 1960s and 1970s, “industrial relations” was an issue at the heart of national debate, by the 1990s policy concern had shifted away from what happens inside the workplace towards global competition and labour market flexibility (Sisson, 2009). However, there has been a revival in interest in employment relations in recent years, coinciding with significant economic and political change.
Indeed, political, economic and social changes over the past five decades have combined to create a shifting landscape in which the current workplace is located. These changes have contributed to the way the employment relationship is configured, and to what contributes to the promotion of good employment relations – issues which fall directly under the remit of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas). Acas itself was created in a period of turbulence. The statutory functions of the service were set out in the Employment Protection Act 1975 at a time when there was disenchantment with the role of government in overseeing wage disagreements, and recognition of the need for an impartial body to oversee disputes (Hawes, 2000). In spite of the changing landscape, Acas has remained a constant presence since and indeed, some have even designated the organisation “survivor” status given the considerable changes that have evolved since its inception (Towers and Brown, 2000). Acas’ statutory functions have remained, largely, intact. Its duties – to promote the improvement of employment relations and with a statutory function to assist parties reach a resolution in disputes – have remained unchanged and its impartial status, funded by, but independent of government, is unaltered. However, the specific activities of Acas have evolved, particularly in the light of legislative changes, shifting ideologies and political priorities, and changing perceptions of what is perceived as “good employment relationships”.
This paper provides a brief overview of some of the most significant developments that have affected Acas’ role, namely the task of promoting good relations in the workplace, and offering effective third party dispute resolution support. In particular it focuses on two areas that have dominated policy concerns – disputes at work and the question of employment regulation....