In the 1980s trade unions developed a policy commitment to the unemployed, but research suggests that unions are seen solely as organisations for people in work. What benefits and services can trade unions usefully provide for the unemployed? How can trade union provision for the unemployed be...

This paper assesses the theoretical justifications available for policies of flexible labour markets (FLMs) in reducing the level of unemployment in developed economies. It empirically assesses the OECD's rationalisation of policy linking profitability to investment and job creation in four...