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The Workplace Employment Relations Study (WERS) 2004 | findings

Some of the key findings (Visit the dedicated WERS 2004 website for much more) from 2004 were:

  1. Trade union membership falls
  2. Managers and employees disagreed on the state of relations
  3. Flexible working had increased - but many employees were unaware of the possibilities
Trade union membership falls

WERS has demonstrated a progressive fall in the extent to which members of the British workforce were Trades Union members - down to just 33 per cent in 2004.

In addition, workplaces were less likely to recognise unions for bargaining over pay and conditions than they had been in 1998 and in early years.

However, union membership and recognition varied considerably by sector and size: union membership and recognition was uncomon among private sector organisations and those with smaller workplaces.

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Managers and employees disagreed on the state of relations

Managers considered that employment relations had improved since 1998, but this was not reflected in the views of employees, which had changed little.

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Flexible working had increased - but many employees were unaware of the possibilities

There had been substantial increases in flexible working arrangements, as well as increases in paid paternity and 'special' leave.

However, employees often appeared unaware of measures to help them balance their working and family lives.

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