Study Groups

Equality and Diversity in Work and Employment BUIRA Study Group

The Equality and Diversity in Work and Employment Study Group is a dedicated forum for BUIRA members and associates to discuss, develop and disseminate knowledge about in/equality, diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity in industrial and employment relations that serves the interests of scholars, practitioners and policy makers in the field.

The agenda of events, meetings and discussions is driven by the interests, research, practice of members and associates.

For more information, please contact the convenors of the study group: Jenny Rodriguez (jenny.rodriguez@manchester.ac.uk) and Laura William (L.C.William@greenwich.ac.uk)

 

Central London BUIRA Study Group

The Central London branch of BUIRA meets regularly in the course of the year, each time in the Westminster Business School of the University of Westminster. The meetings take the form of a seminar addressing key current issues, national and international.

The sessions are often very well attended by BUIRA members and by those with an interest in industrial relations in the London area, including from universities, trade unions and employer associations. Speakers and participants come from a range of different disciplines and organisations and many are very expert in the particular topic discussed.

The programme aims to give fresh insights into current issues, to present new approaches to the subject of industrial relations, and to discuss important research in the area – whether in Britain or farther afield, particularly on mainland Europe.

For information, please contact: Professor Linda Clarke, clarkel@wmin.ac.uk or click here

 

BUIRA History of Industrial Relations Study Group

If you are interested in any aspect of industrial relations history and how historical developments have influenced the present-day conduct of employment relations, you’ll find this Study Group stimulating and thought-provoking.

It has been meeting regularly since 2010, generally at the Westminster Business School of the University of Westminster (Marylebone Road). We aim to hold three or four meetings a year covering a wide range of topics from both the UK and abroad. One strand of our seminars examines the history of particular sectors, such as the Post Office, shipbuilding, engineering and the armed services, while another has focused on disputes including the Wapping dispute, the miners’ strike and the strike of Ford sewing machinists in 1968.

We have also investigated the ongoing implications of significant changes in labour legislation, such as the Trade Union Act 1913, the Trade Union Act 1927 and the Employment Act 1982. Every summer, in partnership with the Oral History Society and Britain at Work, we also hold an oral labour history day that brings together oral historians from across the country to discuss ideas and projects, generally against a background theme, which has included the Grunwicks strike, factory occupations and the so-called ‘winter of discontent’.

Our seminars are usually held on a weekday afternoon, from around 17.00-19.00, and attract academics, practitioners and everyone with a general interest in history. Coffee is available when you arrive and – courtesy of the University of Westminster – drinks and nibbles are provided at the end to encourage informal discussion. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.

Please keep an eye out on the BUIRA Newsletter for information about forthcoming meetings, or e-mail Linda Clarke or Michael Gold (School of Management, Royal Holloway University of London): m.gold@rhul.ac.uk

For more information about this study group, please click here

 

BUIRA International & Comparative Employment Relations Study Group

The BUIRA International & Comparative Employment Relations Study Group organises study group meetings and seminars currently based in Keele Management School, Keele University. Past seminars have explored issues including global integration and corporate capitalism; employee representation at the transnational level; internationalisation of labour markets, migration and trade union organising; and industrial relations in China.

Following presentations by one or more speakers, the sessions provide ample opportunities for discussion. For information, please contact Dr Carola Weissmeyer (c.weissmeyer@keele.ac.uk)

 

BUIRA Scotland Study Group

The BUIRA Scotland Study Group was created in 2021 with the aim of bring together scholars and other stakeholders to promote the study and understanding of employment relations (broadly defined) in Scotland.

The Study Group has two main objectives. First, the Study Group offers a forum for the discussion of employment relations issues in Scotland, sharing current research, identifying future opportunities, and developing new collaborations. Second, the Study Group aims to foster a supportive community for doctoral students based in Scotland, providing networking opportunities for students to engage with peers and other scholars, as well as promoting participation and engagement with the wider BUIRA community, its conference and other activities.

Activities and events are announced in the BUIRA Newsletter and ideas and suggestions are always welcome.

For more information about the BUIRA Scotland Study Group contact stewart.johnstone@strath.ac.uk