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Trade Unions, Union Learning Representatives and Employer‐Provided Training in Britain

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  • Kim Hoque
  • Nicolas Bacon

Abstract

This article provides an empirical assessment of the relationship between trade union recognition, union density, union learning representatives (ULRs) and employer‐provided training in British workplaces using linked employer–employee data from the 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey. The results suggest that the relationship between union recognition and training is, at best, weak. We find no consistent relationship between union density and training or between the presence of ULRs and training. We do, however, find some evidence of greater equality in the distribution of training in ULR workplaces than in other workplaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim Hoque & Nicolas Bacon, 2008. "Trade Unions, Union Learning Representatives and Employer‐Provided Training in Britain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 46(4), pages 702-731, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:46:y:2008:i:4:p:702-731
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8543.2008.00681.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alison L. Booth & Marco Francesconi & Gylfi Zoega, 2003. "Unions, Work-Related Training, and Wages: Evidence for British Men," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 57(1), pages 68-91, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kim Hoque & Nicolas Bacon, 2011. "Assessing the impact of Union Learning Representatives on training: evidence from a matched sample of ULRs and managers," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 25(2), pages 218-233, June.
    2. Helen Rainbird & Mark Stuart, 2011. "The state and the union learning agenda in Britain," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 25(2), pages 202-217, June.
    3. Uschi Backes-Gellner & Yvonne Oswald & Simone Tuor Sartore, 2014. "Part-Time Employment—Boon to Women but Bane to Men? New Insights on Employer-Provided Training," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 67(4), pages 463-481, November.
    4. Francis Green & Alan Felstead & Duncan Gallie & Hande Inanc & Nick Jewson, 2016. "The Declining Volume of Workers’ Training in Britain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 54(2), pages 422-448, June.
    5. Patricia Findlay & Chris Warhurst, 2011. "Union Learning Funds and Trade Union Revitalization: A New Tool in the Toolkit?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 49(Supplemen), pages 115-134, June.
    6. Fabio Berton & Anna Carreri & Francesco Devicienti & Andrea Ricci, 2023. "The collective voice of unions and workplace training in Italy: New insights from mixed methods," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 61(3), pages 595-622, September.
    7. Carmen GARCÍA OLAVERRI & Emilio HUERTA, 2011. "Trade union influence in Spanish manufacturing firms," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 150(3-4), pages 279-296, December.
    8. Fredrik B. Kostøl, 2024. "Do unions increase participation in further education?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 62(3), pages 614-639, September.

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