Working life & employee rights

Working life and rights of Service Personnel

Synopsis

This lesson explores the impact of industrial developments, technology and employment law on worker rights, working hours, health and safety, stress and the working environment. Students compare the working conditions and career experiences of one of their parents (or another working adult) and a (retired) adult of the previous generation. Using case studies of serving members of the Armed Forces, students identify the varied means by which the Ministry Of Defence (MOD) fulfils its commitment to staff (and adheres to the UK Working Time Regulations) e.g. hours of work, health & safety, conditions and equal opportunities.

MOD Topic

Working life and rights of Service Personnel

Curriculum Checklist

1.2 a-c; 3a-c; 3n.
2.1c.
3k.

Curriculum Links

• English

Prior Knowledge

None required

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Be aware of different working 'conditions' in different jobs.
• Be able to identify at least one aspect of change in working conditions in recent years.
• Know that there are rules and regulations in the UK that protect the rights of employees. Be able to name at least one of these.
• Know that these rules and regulations apply within the MOD and UK Armed Forces.

Average ability students will:

• Know about different working 'conditions' and be able to identify how these vary between professions.
• Be familiar with the evolving nature of work and working conditions and the different working patterns undertaken by individuals today.
• Be familiar with employee statutory and contractual rights and what these imply.
• Be aware of how these rules and regulations affect work in the Armed Forces.

Higher ability students will:

• Understand that there are different working 'conditions' and be able to debate the relative merits of working conditions within different professions.
• Understand the reasons behind the evolving nature of work and working conditions and be able to discuss what significance this has for employers and employees.
• Be conversant with employee statutory and contractual rights and be able to discuss how these can be applied within a range of working environments and conditions.
• Understand that there may be difficulties in applying the rules and regulations to the UK Armed Forces because of the wide range of working environments and conditions.

Lesson code

C15