1. Business Studies Training and Worker support Learning Objectives: To understand the ways training can be done and the advantages and disadvantages of training To learn about trade unions and the role they play

2. Business Studies Training and Worker support Why do businesses invest in training their staff? introduce a new process or skill increase efficiency of the workforce upgrade the skill level (enhance worker value to the business) decrease level of supervision needed (increase safety) improve the chance for internal worker promotion Training is usually trying to: increase skills increase knowledge change attitudes or raise awareness of particular issues

3. Business Studies Training and Worker support Training can be carried out: on the job off the fob at induction into a new job Can you think of some examples of each type of training method? What would some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of training method?

4. Business Studies Training and Worker support AdvantagesDisadvantages More flexible labour force (multi- skilled) Employee may look elsewhere for better job Increased productivityLoss of output while training takes place More motivated and committed workers Cost of training – time and money Better quality of product or service Ability to use new technology or equipment Raised expectations for job promotion

5. Business Studies Training and Worker support What circumstances may lead to the following: Dismissal of a worker Workers being made redundant http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6402859.stm How would a “voluntary” redundancy situation be better for workers than being made redundant without their agreement?

6. Business Studies Training and Worker support What is a trade union? A trade union is a type of pressure group – it consists of workers who have joined together so that their interests in the workplace can be protected Trade unions help workers with issues such as: a fair wage or salary safe working conditions and environment training and improvement opportunities

7. Business Studies Training and Worker support The benefits of joining a trade union are: strength in numbers improved working conditions representation in a grievance with management improved pay/salary advice if treated unfairly improved communication between workers and management improved services for workers – insurance, social support

8. Business Studies Training and Worker support What is collective bargaining? What is a productivity agreement? What circumstances may lead to a workers’ union taking industrial action? poor wages and/or working conditions poor management (eg. authoritarian bullying behaviour) poor management – business planning How is the industrial action usually resolved? CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION processes

9. Business Studies Training and Worker support http://www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk/ GcseBusiness/Activities/activitymenu.htm

10. Business Studies Training and Worker support http://ninemsn.it.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx? Sequence=4&PageNumber=1&JobID=10800570