This report will outline the various factors which could be used as a source of reasoning behind the decline of power and membership of trade unions since the 1970's.

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Miss Thorpe                Business Report

To:        Chairman of Trade Union Council

From:        Sir Nitesh Patel

R.E:        The decline in membership of the trade union since the 1970’s

This report will outline the various factors which could be used as a source of reasoning behind the decline of power and membership of trade unions since the 1970’s.

In order to achieve a formidable conclusion, I have taken upon studying the following factors in greater depth which may contribute to the reasons for the decline in trade union membership, they can be briefly described by; The rise in part time workers; the change in the UK’s dominant industry; the change in un/employment; the rate of employment in a particular firm (i.e. sole trader); hostile legislation brought about by the government; the age group; the willingness for unions to accept new members.

Through the 1970’s upon present, it has been recorded through census surveys and polls that there is an increase in the number of part time workers in comparison to full time workers. The drop in union density can be found in the increase of ‘atypical’ forms of employment, especially between 1995 and 2001. The number has increased by 58,000 people (part time). Through opinion polls, it has been found that part time workers are less reluctant to join trade unions as they feel it is either “a waste of money”. The reasoning behind this expression is that if the trade union and its members do win a battle to increase the pay, it’ll affect every member within the organisation, even those who aren’t union members. Non-members can therefore still benefit from fringe benefits and perks such as a new canteen, vending machines and new uniforms without any contribution what-so-ever. It can therefore be said that the principle behind this attitude is quite unfair, however quite realistic and goes around in many organisations.

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During the early 80’s, surveys show that there has been an incremental change in the way in which the UK organisations carry out there business practices in regards to the type of industry. Trade union membership was the highest in the manufacturing industries such as construction and car manufacturing. These industries were very large and required a large number of manual workers. Due to management, many found that they were often miss-treated, therefore unions were developed to increase job security and safety. This was all very well, however by the 80’s they began to decline in existence and obviously ...

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