Continuity and change in collective workplace conflict in Britain: a classification of contemporary actors, issues and channels
Published: 5 October 2024
Research insight
This report was prepared for The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) by Dr Duncan Adam (Manchester Metropolitan University), Dr Deborah Dean and Dr Manuela Galetto (University of Warwick), and Prof Melanie Simms (University of Glasgow).
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) published a report: Continuity and Change in Collective Workplace Conflict in Britain, Co-authored by Prof. Melanie Simms, Professor of Work and Employment at the University of Glasgow, the report explores how collective conflict at work has changed over time.
The report identifies two central themes that recurred during the research. First 'the knowledge gap' which reflects a general decrease in knowledge about collective conflict, on how to manage it and the role Acas can play in its resolution. Second, the pressures of the current economic context, which have contributed to polarising the positions of those involved in collective bargaining, making agreements increasingly difficult to reach.
The report structures findings of interviews with Acas employees, unions, employers and other industrial relations specialists around changes of 1) the actors involved in collective conflict, 2) issues around which we see conflict emerging and 3) channel of expression of conflict. The report underlines the importance of Acas as an independent, impartial actor in resolving workplace disputes.
Read the full report on the Acas webpage.
First published: 5 October 2024