The Origins, Development and Content of the Conservative Legislation

Abstract

Most observers agree that the industrial relations legislation introduced by the Conservatives in the 1980s has significantly affected the power of the unions. In this chapter I will examine the origins, development and content of that legislation. As such, the chapter is divided into four sections. The first section looks at the development of Conservative industrial relations policy in opposition between 1974 and 1979. Here I suggest that even in 1978 Conservative policy on the issue was uncertain and argue that the Winter of Discontent in 1978–9 gave a focus to that policy; for this reason the second section deals with the Winter of Discontent. The third section examines the evolution of policy when the Conservatives came to power. I pay particular attention to the change in ideology and pace which occurred in 1981, when Norman Tebbit replaced James Prior as Secretary of State for Employment, and to the importance of the muted trade union reaction to the legislative proposals, which meant that the key problem of compliance receded. The final section then outlines the scope and content of the legislation.