Labour in Britain

Businesses in Britain are often owned by people, not by the government. This is called free enterprise. Most Britons respect the idea of competition in business and many of them believe that the free-enterprise system encourages equal opportunities.

The British government provides welfare through subsidies, grants and services for the population. This is called social wage; it amounts to 1316 pounds per year for each adult of the working population. Some years ago Governmental arrangements were made in order to shorten unemployment. A nationwide organization helping people to find jobs was set up. It is the Manpower Services Commission. The Commission runs two agencies: the Employment Services Agency and the Training Services Agency. The first offers a suitable job to an unemployed person, the second trains him/her in new skills if necessary.

Robert Smith is 46 years old. He and his wife have to work in order to afford the house and a college education for their two children. Robert has worked at a factory for 30 years. One day he had been replaced by technology. What can he do to find a new job?

He can go to a job center, an employment office or to a private agency. Robert can also read advertisements in special journals and find information in any possible way.

At the Local Job Center Robert is registered as an unemployed and then he is given an unemployment benefit which is sent to him by mail every week. If his benefit is not enough to live on, Robert can get some extra help from the Social Security Office. One day the Job Center informs Robert about a possible vacancy. First he has to go for an interview with his prospective employer. If terms are acceptable for the both the labour contract is signed.

Working people are protected by Britain Trade Unions that concern for work conditions and correct wages. Employers have the Chamber of Commerce that protects their business interests.

There are about 9 million full-time industrial workers in the United Kingdom, but their amount declines steadily. More and more Britons decide to work for themselves as businessmen, independent craftsmen and farmers.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-20