As the world of work changes so too does the context and shape of the employment relationship. The impact of globalisation, the rise of LMEs, digitalisation, and more latterly the COVID crisis have led to significant changes such as the fragmentation of work, automation of work, deregulation, and changes to the temporal models of work. This in turn has impacted on the employment relationship at both macro and workplace levels. This module will provide students with insights into the nature of contemporary employment relations, the underpinning forces that shape the landscape of industrial relations and current key concerns and developments. Students will be required to critically reflect and evaluate the impact of the factors mentioned above at macro level and at the level of their own workplace. They will also be expected to relate changes to wider societal impacts such as the relationship between decent work and citizenship.

The field of employment relations: a review; power control and shifting frontiers in the employment relationship; digitisation, AI and the present/future of work- impact on the employment relationship; the impact of COVID on employment relations; the state and employment relations; sustainability and employment relations; labour law and employment relations in a landscape of fragmented work and a digitised world; changes in collective representation; changes in work and implications for employers.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Discuss the impact of changes such as digitisation/automation on the employment relationship 2. Critically analyse events occurring in the current employment relations landscape 3. Discuss the wider societal implications of precarious/non-standard work. 4. Recognise the links between decent work and broader issues such as sustainability, citizenship, and social inclusion

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 5. Acknowledge the influence of ideology and perspectives on employment relations actors. 6. Demonstrate appreciation of ethical work practices 7. Reflect on the impact of their own ideology on the interpretation of employment relations issues.

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It is envisaged that this module will use a blended approach with some face to face labs, online lectures, and discussion forums. As students become more comfortable with the subject, the use of the flipped classroom is envisaged whereby students can proactively research the lecture topic using supporting readings on the learning platform and then engage in informed and guided discussion in the classroom space. The module will incorporate case study analysis and invite guest lecturers from the professional community. Research Findings Incorporated into the Syllabus (If Relevant): The Department of Work and Employment studies is very research active in this space and thus research relating to: decent work, precarious work, future of work, technology and work, the COVID crisis and work, collective bargaining trends and these will be utilised. The lecturer will also draw on international research and practice reports from the professional body, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.