LW3LAB-Labour Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: May only be taken by students in the School of Law.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Grace James
Email: c.g.james@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Rachel Horton
Email: r.e.horton@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines the law governing employment relationships, within the broader context/critique of the labour market regulation/environment.

Aims:

By examining labour laws in their historical, social, economic and political context, the module adopts a critical approach to the way that employment relationships are constituted and regulated.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to: 

• Understand the historical development of labour law in the UK and factors that influence its scope and content at any one time.


• Identify and explain the institutional framework and sources of labour law.


• Critique the dispute resolution procedures and issues relating to access to justice.


• Advise on and assess critically the concept of employment and how an employment relationship might be constituted and regulated.


• Advise on and critically assess particular matters of labour law relating to the employment relationship and its termination. 

Additional outcomes:

The module will also develop IT, oral presentation, and research skills.

Outline content:

• The historical development and institutional framework and sources of employment law


• Dispute resolution and access to justice in the employment context 


• The concept of employment status, atypical workers and the ‘gig’ economy


• The terms of employment and working conditions


• Discipline/grievances and termination of employment


• Issues of equality and work-family(life) balance


• Aspects of collective labour law and human rights

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be taught through lectures and tutorials. The lectures (25) will take place in the Autumn term and tutorials (5) in the Spring term. Tutorials will involve structured group discussions and some presentations by students. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on the student to actively participate in the learning experience. This includes researching the subject independently and being fully prepared for tutorials.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	25
Tutorials		5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	15	15
Wider reading (directed)	60	50
Exam revision/preparation		30
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two-hour examination paper counting for 60% of the marks. Two questions to be answered from a selection of questions.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One piece of Assessed Written Work (coursework) of 6 pages worth 40% of the overall mark. There will be a choice between two problem questions. 

Formative assessment methods:

There will be an opportunity to undertake a short non-assessed piece of work in the autumn term.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit any failed element: re-examination in August.

See School Guide (Programme Assessment), but note that only the failed element(s) must be retaken with marks for the passed element being carried forward.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023