Evolving Employment Relationship and the New Economy

Far from settling into a recognisable pattern, the new employment relationship spawned by globalisation and communications technology continues to evolve. If the labour law and industrial relations community are to retain expertise and social utility in their vital role, constant monitoring of the field and discussion is essential. It was to further this purpose that the Club of Labour Law Journals held a conference in Brussels in April 2001, under the auspices of the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium and the Society for Social and International Cooperation. This book is the record of that significant conference.

The presentations and discussion proceed along four main avenues: the "battle for the brains," the impact of atypical work arrangements, the concept of employability, and the online rights of workers. Important questions addressed include:

• • Do globalisation and high technology necessarily go hand in hand?
• • Which skills increase employability?
• • What are the social factors of employability?
• • Are contingent and partly dependent workers protected in a fair way?
• • To what degree can the employment contract be stabilized?
• • How can we tackle the erosion of social security provisions?
• • To what extent should intra-company electronic resources be regulated?
• • What is the relation between employers and illegal immigrants?

Participants include representatives from Belgium, Germany. Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Latin America, and the United States.

For an understanding of the current realities of industrial relations from a global perspective, The Evolving Employment Relationship and the New Economy is essential reading. It will greatly assist lawyers, employers, policymakers, and academics to proceed conscientiously and creatively toward the definition of much-needed values and guidelines in this crucial area of economic activity.