During the 19th century and most of the 20th century a system which concerns the relationship between law and employment a major factor in the development of trade unions and collective bargaining shaped legislation surrounding industrial relations.

Trade unions and employers played a relatively equal role in determining the contracts of employment of the workforce. There was no definite legal background within the system; this was so much so that it was thought at the time that unions gave more cover to employees than what the law offered.

However, this free-market approach came to an end in the post 1945 period at a time o

'British Conservatism became dominated by the idea of reconstructing social institutions on the model of market exchange...the test of Conservatism no longer became concern for the continuity and authority of institutions but...whether institutions conformed to an abstract model of market exchange.'

(Gray, 'Back to Basics' BBC R4, 16/12/93)

The governments aim was to make most actions concerning industrial action towards employers unlawful.

(Quote: Gray, 'Back to Basics' BBC R4, 16/12/93)

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1480
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)