Employee Relations in the Public Services

Almost a fifth of all employees work in the public sector. Employees working in the civil service, NHS, local government, education, the police and fire services also represent a large and growing body of students taking degree courses at universities. Employee Relations in the Public Services explores this important and rapidly changing area. The book outlines the main developments in the public sector since 1979, including topical issues such as the rise of new public management, decentralisation and contracting out. Themes which are currently affecting public sector employees are also examined, including:* decentralisation* contracting out* fragmentation and the growth of individualism in the employment contract.