Are labour markets in the UK too flexible?
Article Abstract:
The UK government has for many years believed that labour markets must not be the subject of legal constraints which make employers less willing to take on new employees. It sees flexible working practices as a vital element of a competitive economy. This has now gone so far that some observers claim that a lack of flexible labour markets will lead to serious unemployment problems. There tends to be an emphasis on numerical flexibility in the UK, whereas in other countries, such as Germany, the emphasis is placed more on functional flexibility.
Publication Name: British Economy Survey
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0263-3523
Year: 1996
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Section 12: the constraints on UK fiscal policy
Article Abstract:
The recession is calling into question the UK government's reliance on low inflation to stimulate the economy. They could borrow more to increase the deficit, but this may mean higher interest rates. Action to increase the deficit could have a bad effect on neighbouring economies. The repayment of national debt is linked to the gross domestic product (GDP), and debts must not rise too high or they cannot be repaid. UK links to the EC monetary systems and reliance on low inflation are not seen as conducive to recovery by some observers.
Publication Name: British Economy Survey
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0263-3523
Year: 1992
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Japanese sub-contracting systems
Article Abstract:
The Japanese methods of building vehicles uses 'lean production' rather than 'Fordism.' This method uses small teams to undertake a task, as well as making things they control the quality of output, do initial training and routine maintenance. Besides lean production the Japanese success is also linked to their use of sub-contractors. Instead of the distant relationship the Ford method of production fosters, the Japanese work closely on product development and technical assistance to ensure the product meets their standards.
Publication Name: British Economy Survey
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0263-3523
Year: 1993
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