This book considers why there are such great international differences in the way employment relations are organized within the firm. Taking account of the growing evidence that international diversity is not being wiped out by 'globalization', it sets out from the theory of the firm, and explains why firms and workers should use the employment relationship as the basis for their economic cooperation.

Over the last fifteen years, the deregulation of Britain's labor market has led to economic growth, employment opportunities, and a more diverse workforce: the "fat years." However, now as Britain faces its lean years with job cuts, rising unemployment, income insecurity, and related social strains, how can and should the government and key labor market policy makers ensure the labor market provides job opportunities and reasonable levels of social justice?
The fundamental changes that have occurred in labor market institutions mean that 'solutions' of previous decades no longer work....