A Catalyst for Change? The Impact of the 2002/14/EC Framework Directive on Employee Representation in Britain

The aim of the paper is to evaluate the pattern of change in the field of employee representation in Britain as influenced by the implementation of the 2002/14/EC Framework Directive on informing and consulting employees at national level. Based on the reflexive regulation theory and the capabilities approach the paper draws from case study research in organisations in the business services sector to evaluate the impact of the legislation in the establishment/amendment of information and consultation of employees’ mechanisms. Apart from the influence of the form and content of legal prescription, the paper underlines the importance of management choices and strategies in influencing the type and nature of the emergent universal channel of employee representation and confirms the salience of employee-side organisation and activity to the consultative arrangements developing their role and attaining a greater capability for employee voice.

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