Are labour markets in the UK too flexible?

Article Abstract:

The UK government has for many years believed that labour markets must not be the subject of legal constraints which make employers less willing to take on new employees. It sees flexible working practices as a vital element of a competitive economy. This has now gone so far that some observers claim that a lack of flexible labour markets will lead to serious unemployment problems. There tends to be an emphasis on numerical flexibility in the UK, whereas in other countries, such as Germany, the emphasis is placed more on functional flexibility.

Analysis, Labor market

---

Section 12: the constraints on UK fiscal policy

Article Abstract:

The recession is calling into question the UK government's reliance on low inflation to stimulate the economy. They could borrow more to increase the deficit, but this may mean higher interest rates. Action to increase the deficit could have a bad effect on neighbouring economies. The repayment of national debt is linked to the gross domestic product (GDP), and debts must not rise too high or they cannot be repaid. UK links to the EC monetary systems and reliance on low inflation are not seen as conducive to recovery by some observers.

United Kingdom, Economic policy

---

Japanese sub-contracting systems

Article Abstract:

The Japanese methods of building vehicles uses 'lean production' rather than 'Fordism.' This method uses small teams to undertake a task, as well as making things they control the quality of output, do initial training and routine maintenance. Besides lean production the Japanese success is also linked to their use of sub-contractors. Instead of the distant relationship the Ford method of production fosters, the Japanese work closely on product development and technical assistance to ensure the product meets their standards.

Management, Automobile industry

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Setting an example: Japanese manufacturer Ricoh slashes costs. Behind the screen
• Abstracts: An optimal algorithm for integrating raw materials inventory in a single-product manufacturing system. Quantifying the bullwhip effect in a supply chain with stochastic lead time
• Abstracts: More players, less profit. Worth the trek: Japan's interest in southern Africa grows
• Abstracts: Here come the titans: consumer electronics firms are muscling in. part 2 Tricks with light
• Abstracts: Structure of industry; the economics of supermarkets. Structure of industry; case study: Ford of Britain. Section 2: Structure of industry; 'short-termism' in British industry

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.