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Data from a study of small firms are used to examine the extent to which Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) have been successful in appealing to the needs of small firms. It explores the principles underlying the formation of TECs and suggests that insufficient attention was given to the role of such firms at this stage. The results of the study suggest that in small firms the level of awareness of TECs and use of their services remains low. It is argued that due account needs to be taken by TECs of the particular concerns of small business owners and that TEC staff should develop personal contact with their customers. It is considered whether this might be achieved through the Business Links initiative.

This paper uses case study data to explore the potential of Human Resource Management (HRM) within small firms. It is argued that despite a considerable amount of evidence that emphasises the distinct human resource problems that small firms face because of their size, there is no reason to assume a priori that a formalised HRM approach cannot provide solutions to these — provided that it is sufficiently flexible. The article cautions against accepting the ‘informal’ approach to managing people often associated with small firms as an inevitable or unconditional ‘good’, demonstrating the complexities of small firm employment relations through case studies of four small firms that have adopted the Investors In People initiative. This initiative is shown to embody key principles of HRM thinking and to have provided viable answers to the human resource problems faced by the case companies. The article concludes with a discussion of the issues that will need to be faced if the management of human resources in small firms is to be opened up to new and innovative ideas in a manner that is genuinely constructive and beneficial.

Addresses the workplace issues posed by HIV/AIDS within the hotel and catering industry. In particular, examines the theoretical risks which may be peculiar to organizations in this industrial sector. Suggests that the “objective” risk assessment provided by “experts” is not necessarily accepted nor understood by all employees. Develops a model of risk assessment which takes account of perceived risk, reflecting subjective and organizational influences to provide an adequate understanding of likely employee responses. Uses the model to interpret data from a small survey of hotel and catering management trainees and uses the results to point to areas of further research and to matters which merit further discussion by hotel and catering employers.

Last December, commenting on the CLEA proposals for regional machinery in England beyond school level, the Committee of Directors of Polytechnics said:

In May 1973 an article in this journal highlighted some of the problems faced by college welfare officers. In spite of being on call seven days a week and working, typically, a 70‐hour week, these indispensable members of staff are paid less than a lecturer.

The issue of AIDS/HIV is currently a concern of many employing organizations. Considers the contextual factors which surround AIDS as a workplace issue in terms of legislation, state policy, and trade union and employer positions. This is followed by an analysis of current UK corporate AIDS policies. Identifies two approaches to policy formulation: definsive and humanistic. The former regards AIDS/HIV largely in instrumental terms whereas the latter frames the issue as one of social justice and responsibility. Considers the implications of each position and explores the prospects for future research and practice.

It seems clear that one of the challenges of change to be faced by organisations in the 1990s will be that of dealing effectively with the impact of AIDS. According to Trebilcock (1989) the vast majority (90%) of those in the developed countries who will contract the HIV virus will be in employment. At present the US Centre for Disease Control estimates that one in 250 people in the US is infected with the HIV virus and that, in 1991, AIDS‐related illness cost US industry more than $50 billion (Brown 1991). This, according to Kohl et al (1990) may mean that there may be 1.5 million Americans infected with the virus, with an expectation of well over 300,000 ‘active’ AIDS cases by 1993 (see also Ross and Middlebrook, 1990).

Presents 35 abstracts from the 2001 Employment Research Unit Annual conference held at Cardiff Business School in September 2001. Attempts to explore the theme of changing politics of employment relations beyond and within the nation state, against a background of concern in the developed economies at the erosion of relatively advanced conditions of work and social welfare through increasing competition and international agitation for more effective global labour standards. Divides this concept into two areas, addressing the erosion of employment standards through processes of restructuring and examining attempts by governments, trade unions and agencies to re‐create effective systems of regulation. Gives case examples from areas such as India, Wales, London, Ireland, South Africa, Europe and Japan. Covers subjects such as the Disability Discrimination Act, minimum wage, training, contract workers and managing change.

Organizational structures are changing. Hardly a surprising statement ‐ the world in which organizations exist is changing. Old barriers are coming down and new barriers are going up. Knowledge is increasing at a rate which can only be described as staggering ‐ overwhelming almost, but not quite. Because organizations are changing.

Reviews new reforms being implemented at HM Prison Service under the new director general, Derek Lewis. Discusses the agenda for change, involving, most notably, the privatisation of services and resources. Considers the advice of experts from outside the prison service together with views of key prison service officials regarding reforms. Assesses the possibilities for successful change.