The Law of the Labour Market

This book explores the evolution of the employment contract in Britain, revealing its complexities and recent developments in the context of the labour market.

In The Law of the Labour Market, the authors delve into the intricate evolution of the employment contract in Britain, focusing on its juridical transformations during and after the industrial revolution. They highlight how the initial conditions of industrialization and the subsequent establishment of a unique welfare state have significantly influenced the trajectory of British labour and social security law. This exploration reveals that the emergence of a 'labour market' in industrial societies is not merely about increased competition and mobility but also about the specific nature of work relationships characterized by wage labour and employment contracts.

The authors argue against the conventional notion that the transition from status to contract adequately describes the legal changes accompanying industrialization. Instead, they propose that what emerged was a hierarchical service model rooted in the Master and Servant Acts, which gradually became integrated into common law. This historical perspective challenges the assumption that the modern understanding of the employment contract is a longstanding concept, revealing it as a relatively recent development shaped by collective bargaining, social legislation, and the rise of bureaucratic organizations.

The Law of the Labour Market emphasizes that understanding the evolution of the employment contract is crucial for interpreting today's labour market dynamics. As technological and institutional changes intensify, the book prompts a reevaluation of current proposals aimed at moving 'beyond' conventional employment models, shedding light on the complexities that underpin modern labour relations.