Too much red tape in employment?

With a tough economic environment, high unemployment and skill shortages, one has to ask "is there too much red tape in employment?". Occupational regulation has been present in the UK for centuries in various different forms. By its very nature it provides barriers to entry for any individual wishing to partake in an occupation covered by regulation.

This ESRC-funded event endeavoured to assess what the prevalence of regulation is, what effects regulation has in the labour market and has it all gone too far? With speakers focusing on macro and industry level effects, this seminar gave attendees an overview of a much neglected but important institutional factor in the labour market.

The event brought together HR professionals, policy officials, trade unionists and business people to discuss employment regulation.