Work and Pay in 20th Century Britain [Paperback]

From assembly line to call centre, this volume charts the immense transformation of work and pay across the 20th century and provides the first labor-focused history of Britain. Written by leading British historians and economists, each chapter stands as a self-contained reading for those who need an overview of the topic, as well as an introduction to and analysis of the controversies among scholars for readers entering or refreshing deeper study.

The 20th century was a period of unrivalled change in the British labor market. Technology, social movements, and political action all contributed to an increased standard of living, while also revolutionizing what workers do and how they do it. Covering a range of topics from lifetime work patterns and education to unemployment and the welfare state, this book provides a practical introduction to the evolution of work and pay in 20th century Britain.

This is an important and interesting book. The chapters of this book, each written by appropriate experts, dig down and uncover the forces at work and the complex interactions between them. The rise and fall of trade unions, the rise of the service sector, the decline in fertility, the fall and rise of earnings dispersion are some of the dramatic changes which are analysed and explained. Overall, the book builds a picture of the workings of the 20th century British labour market which will fascinate anyone interested in how the world works. --Stephen Nickell, Warden of Nuffield College, Oxford University

The British labor market experienced a series of dramatic transformations in the course of the 20th century. Is the current regime of high employment and wage flexibility here to stay, or is it just another passing phase? Do Britain's arrangements reflect a distinctive historical experience, or might they be emulated by Continental Europe? This important book by Crafts, Gazeley and Newell provides the perspective needed to contemplate these questionlsÖ