British economic and industrial policy since 1979 is examined using a wide range of sources. Was this really «new», revival of earlier approaches or a rigorous extension of the IMF-imposed policies on the 1974-79 Labour Government? The question is asked: Was the creation of a large pool of unemployed labour necessary for reshaping the economy or was the aim to secure fundamental changes in the relations between capital and organised labour? Due to setbacks suffered by trade unions in the 1980s with factory closures and major job losses, the author questions Labour’s motives in softening any meaningful opposition to the Conservatives, supporting ERM in 1990, reducing the role of trade unions in the Party itself and retaining key policies of the Thatcher era especially its trade union laws.

The Author: Keith Barlow graduated from Warwick University in 1980 with a B.A. Honours degree in economics. He worked in the GDR since the mid-1980s – in Halle and Berlin and since 1988 in Leipzig. His special interests in UK economic and political developments have led to a doctorate and this new book.

«Keith Barlow has produced an excellent reference book.» (Robert Griffiths, Morning Star) «Keith Barlow tells an intriguing tale of labour and industrial relations in modern Britain. Its merits lie in the precise detail. The patient reader will be well rewarded. (.) Barlow's text merits careful reading, and should be present in any serious library.» (John Manning, Socialist History Society Newsletter) «Few books on recent British politics undertake a critical examination of the EU. Barlow's book is an exception. It should (...) be of particular interest to the readers of the Democrat and an indispensible tool for trade union education.» (Brian Denny, the Democrat)

: Conservative economic and industrial policies since 1979 and Labour’s adoption to them – Conservative trade union legislation and the common law – Consequences of Labour’s support for ERM on its 1992 election campaign – Freedom of association and the case for the repeal of the Conservative trade union laws.