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The UK has traditionally been associated with a liberal, market-oriented approach that emphasises flexibility in employment and downplays the role of unionisation and collective bargaining. German policy indicates a different approach, with one example being the stakeholder model of corporate governance that emphasises works councils and job security over hire and fire flexibility. The Hartz IV reforms of 2003 were, however, acknowledged as a move away from this position. With both economies responding to the global financial crisis with arguments emphasising competitiveness, there are a number of questions to ask with regards to how labour markets will be structured in the future.

Speakers:

Dr Alexander Spermann, Director of Labour Policy (Germany), IZA Bonn

Professor Jason Heyes, Professor of Employment Relations, University of Sheffield

Chair:

Brendan Donnelly, Director, Federal Trust