The Politics of Unemployment Policy in Britain: Class Struggle, Labour Market Restructuring and Welfare Reform

The book explores the evolution of social security and employment policy and governance in Britain between 1973 and 2023, highlighting the impact of class-centred struggles on policy outcomes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The book offers a comprehensive account of the evolution of social security and employment policy and governance in Britain between 1973 and 2023, shedding light on how these policies and governance structures have shaped and been shaped by the transformation of the labour market and the power of claimants and workers. Drawing on a class-centred perspective, the text argues that contemporary working-age active labour market policy is the result of a long struggle over curtailing labour autonomy and addressing the challenges arising from policy success in securing social cohesion, state legitimacy, and better economic conditions for growth.

The book begins by tracing the historical development of social security and employment policy in Britain, highlighting the key milestones and policy changes that have occurred over the years. It then examines the impact of these policies on different groups of workers, including low-paid workers, women, and ethnic minorities. The book also explores the role of claimants and workers in shaping policy and governance, highlighting the ways in which they have mobilized to challenge and influence policy decisions.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of globalization on social security and employment policy. The authors argue that globalization has led to the erosion of national boundaries and the growth of transnational corporations, which have had a significant impact on the labour market and the power of claimants and workers. They highlight the ways in which globalization has led to the exploitation of workers, the reduction of wages, and the loss of job security.

The book also examines the role of the state in social security and employment policy. The authors argue that the state has played a crucial role in shaping policy and governance, but that it has also been subject to various pressures and constraints. They highlight the ways in which the state has responded to the challenges of globalization, including through the implementation of policies such as welfare reform, employment protection legislation, and social security benefits.

However, the book also identifies several challenges that remain in social security and employment policy. One of the most significant challenges is the growing inequality in the labour market. The authors argue that inequality has been exacerbated by globalization, and that it has led to a decline in social mobility and a lack of access to basic social services. They highlight the ways in which policy can address inequality, including through the implementation of progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and labor market regulation.

Another challenge is the impact of automation and technological change on the labour market. The authors argue that automation and technological change have led to the loss of jobs and the displacement of workers, particularly in low-paid and manual jobs. They highlight the ways in which policy can address the impact of automation and technological change, including through the implementation of training programs, job creation programs, and social protection measures.

In addition to these challenges, the book also examines the role of social movements and activism in shaping social security and employment policy. The authors argue that social movements and activism have played a crucial role in challenging and influencing policy decisions, and that they have helped to shape a more just and equitable society. They highlight the ways in which social movements and activism have been successful in achieving policy changes, including through the use of protests, strikes, and lobbying.

The book concludes by offering a series of recommendations for policy reform. The authors argue that policy reform is necessary to address the challenges that remain in social security and employment policy, and that it is necessary to ensure that policy is responsive to the needs of workers and claimants. They highlight the ways in which policy reform can be achieved, including through the implementation of progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and labor market regulation.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive account of the evolution of social security and employment policy and governance in Britain between 1973 and 2023. It argues that contemporary working-age active labour market policy is the result of a long struggle over curtailing labour autonomy and addressing the challenges arising from policy success in securing social cohesion, state legitimacy, and better economic conditions for growth. The book also identifies several challenges that remain in social security and employment policy, and offers a series of recommendations for policy reform. By understanding the history and development of social security and employment policy, we can work towards a more just and equitable society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447366119