EU Employment Law

Employment law is a key issue of concern for individuals, who need to understand their rights at work, and for employers, because it will shape how they manage their businesses. This is an optional one-semester module designed to provide a deeper insight into the role of the EU in the field of Employment Law. It will be relevant to those interested in: the protection of workers; human resource management; and European integration.
There are no pre-requisites for taking this module. The aims are:

1. To introduce the role of the EU in Employment Law
2. To examine the contemporary debates around the direction of EU law in this field, including the contribution of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU).
3. To explore specific issues and controversies within EU Employment Law.

This module examines the role of the EU in Employment Law. It traces its historical evolution, from a very limited legal competence in the founding Treaties, through to an extensive role today. The module identifies and explores current issues, such as: regulating digital labour platforms and the gig economy; combating discrimination at work; ensuring decent wages and dignified working conditions; regulating the use of AI in human resource management.

The main themes covered in the module will be:

• the evolution of EU Employment Law;
• the employment relationship;
• individual rights (working conditions, anti-discrimination, reconciling work and family life, non-standard forms of work)
• algorithmic management
• collective labour rights

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Explain the basic principles of EU employment law;
• Analyse the contribution the Court of Justice to this area of law;
• Critically appraise the role played by the EU in employment law;
• Demonstrate written communication skills;
• Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to current issues in employment law.

Assessment: 
Assessment will be based on two components: 

• 40% of the marks are allocated for an  essay submitted mid-way through the module. The maximum length will be 2,000 words, including footnotes. This essay will entail critical analysis of a recent judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU.  
• 60% of the marks are allocated for an  essay submitted at the end of the module. The maximum length will be 3,000 words, including footnotes. This essay will focus on problem-solving skills.   

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