Trade Union and Employment Forum
This Forum brings together academics, trade unionists, employers and the media to examine the historic context of trade union and labour policies and identify lessons that can be learnt for today and the future. The Forum also marks key events that have shaped the workplace and business world such as the 1984 Miners’ Strike, the Health and Safety Act, the introduction of employment tribunals and the anniversary of the 1926 General Strike.
Regular seminars and conferences bring together interested parties and provide the opportunity to hear from key players and experts in a wide range of topical employment issues. From time to time the forum also produces opinion pieces to be found on this website.
The Forum is part of the History and Policy Group based in the Institute of Historical Research at the University of London, connecting historians, policy makers and the media.
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The Liberal Party and the trade unions
Dr Alastair Reid, of Girton College, Cambridge, revisited the years when the Liberals and the unions worked closely together. Baroness Susan Kramer, formerly Liberal MP for Richmond Park and Shadow Transport Secretary, offered reflections on relations between the Liberal Democrats and trade unions today.
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The Labour Party and the trade unions
Professor Andrew Thorpe, of Exeter University, and Billy Hayes, General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union, examined key aspects of the Labour Party's relationship with the trade unions.
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New Trade Union Education Project
H&P consultant historian Rupert Griffin outlined the progress of his research for H&P's Trade Union Education Project, as well as a proposed model for involving historians in union research projects and membership development.
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Going to the Press: Wapping 1986
The Wapping dispute was and is intensely controversial. The Trade Union Forum brought together Tony Burke (Unite), Baroness Dean (SOGAT), Tricia Dawson (University of Westminster) and Greg Neale (former refusenik journalist) to discuss the printers' strike.
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The Conservative Party and the trade unions
Dr Pete Dorey described a major shift in Conservative approaches to the unions from conciliation 1945-64 to confrontation 1975-90, while Richard Balfe suggested that under David Cameron the Conservatives were moving back towards conciliation, which could have advantages for both sides.
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About Us
H&P is based at the Institute of Historical Research, Senate House, University of London.
We are the only project in the UK providing access to an international network of more than 500 historians with a broad range of expertise. H&P offers a range of resources for historians, policy makers and journalists.
