In this episode of We Can Work It Out, Dr Jonathan Lord is joined by Professor Richard Hyman, one of the most influential figures in the study of industrial and employment relations. Across a wide-ranging and reflective conversation, Richard draws on more than five decades of scholarship to examine why questions of power, control and resistance remain central to working life, even as the forms of work, technology and regulation continue to change  .

The episode begins with Richard’s own intellectual journey, from philosophy and economics into trade union history and industrial relations, shaped by the turbulence of post-war Britain and a university sector that still allowed space for critical, heterodox voices. From there, the discussion moves to the profound transformations in employment relations since the 1970s: the decline of collective bargaining and union density, the restructuring of industry, globalisation, and the increasingly assertive role of employers and the state in reshaping workplace governance  .

A central theme is the uneasy relationship between collective power and individual employment rights. Richard explains how the expansion of legal protections such as unfair dismissal and redundancy payments brought real gains, but also risked commodifying injustice and displacing collective solidarity with legal remedies. Drawing on classic thinkers, he warns against treating legalism as a substitute for organisation, arguing instead for a careful balance between law and collective capacity.

The conversation also explores democracy within trade unions, revisiting the “iron law of oligarchy” and contrasting highly participatory traditions with the realities faced by large, heterogeneous organisations. Richard reflects on Marxism as a critical framework for understanding capitalism’s contradictions, rejecting caricatures while defending its continued relevance for analysing work, inequality and power in the twenty-first century  .

Looking beyond Britain, the episode examines European employment relations, EU integration, social partnership and co-determination, as well as the tensions between market, class and society that shape different national trade union traditions. Richard is sceptical of partnership rhetoric divorced from power, yet open to institutional compromises where they provide workers with a foothold for rebuilding collective voice.

The discussion closes with reflections on platform work, algorithmic management and artificial intelligence, where Richard insists that while technologies change, the underlying struggle over control and resistance persists. He offers a characteristically sober but hopeful outlook.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the history, theory and future of work, and in why power still matters at work today. Enjoy the discussion.

In this episode of We Can Work It Out, Dr. Jonathan Lord speaks with Paul Embery—trade unionist, writer, firefighter, and author of Despised: Why the Left Loathes the Working Class. Drawing on decades of frontline experience in the Fire Brigades Union and a lifetime rooted in East London’s working-class communities, Paul examines the growing cultural and political divide between the modern left and the people it once claimed to represent.

The conversation explores the forces that reshaped working-class life in post-industrial Britain, from rapid demographic change to the erosion of stable employment and community institutions. Paul discusses how elements of the left have shifted toward a more middle-class, hyper-liberal worldview, often sidelining class-based concerns in favour of identity-driven politics. He reflects on the consequences of this shift for Labour’s electoral fortunes, the rise of political realignment, and the sense of alienation felt in former Labour heartlands.

The discussion delves into the challenges facing today’s trade unions, including declining workplace solidarity, the impact of remote work, and the movement’s struggle to reconnect with younger workers. The discussion also highlights broader questions of belonging, national identity, economic justice, and the future direction of the labour movement.

Through this candid and provocative exchange, you'll gain insight into the tensions shaping contemporary British politics and the enduring importance of class, community, and collective power in the fight for fair work and meaningful representation. Enjoy the discussion.

Episode 2 of the We Can Work It Out podcast is out tomorrow. Here's another preview with Paul Embery discussing how Trade Unions need to get back to face to face dialogue in the workplace and explain to workers as to why unions are so relevant to their lives. Enjoy the discussion in full on 12/12/25.

In this episode of We Can Work It Out, Dr. Jonathan Lord speaks with Paul Embery—trade unionist, writer, firefighter, and author of Despised: Why the Left Loathes the Working Class. Drawing on decades of frontline experience in the Fire Brigades Union and a lifetime rooted in East London’s working-class communities, Paul examines the growing cultural and political divide between the modern left and the people it once claimed to represent.

The conversation explores the forces that reshaped working-class life in post-industrial Britain, from rapid demographic change to the erosion of stable employment and community institutions. Paul discusses how elements of the left have shifted toward a more middle-class, hyper-liberal worldview, often sidelining class-based concerns in favour of identity-driven politics. He reflects on the consequences of this shift for Labour’s electoral fortunes, the rise of political realignment, and the sense of alienation felt in former Labour heartlands.

The discussion delves into the challenges facing today’s trade unions, including declining workplace solidarity, the impact of remote work, and the movement’s struggle to reconnect with younger workers. The discussion also highlights broader questions of belonging, national identity, economic justice, and the future direction of the labour movement.

Through this candid and provocative exchange, you'll gain insight into the tensions shaping contemporary British politics and the enduring importance of class, community, and collective power in the fight for fair work and meaningful representation. Full episode available on 12/12/25. Enjoy the discussion.

In this episode of We Can Work It Out, Dr. Jonathan Lord speaks with Paul Embery—trade unionist, writer, firefighter, and author of Despised: Why the Left Loathes the Working Class. Drawing on decades of frontline experience in the Fire Brigades Union and a lifetime rooted in East London’s working-class communities, Paul examines the growing cultural and political divide between the modern left and the people it once claimed to represent.

The conversation explores the forces that reshaped working-class life in post-industrial Britain, from rapid demographic change to the erosion of stable employment and community institutions. Paul discusses how elements of the left have shifted toward a more middle-class, hyper-liberal worldview, often sidelining class-based concerns in favour of identity-driven politics. He reflects on the consequences of this shift for Labour’s electoral fortunes, the rise of political realignment, and the sense of alienation felt in former Labour heartlands.

The discussion delves into the challenges facing today’s trade unions, including declining workplace solidarity, the impact of remote work, and the movement’s struggle to reconnect with younger workers. The discussion also highlights broader questions of belonging, national identity, economic justice, and the future direction of the labour movement.

Through this candid and provocative exchange, you'll gain insight into the tensions shaping contemporary British politics and the enduring importance of class, community, and collective power in the fight for fair work and meaningful representation. Full episode available on 12/12/25. Enjoy the discussion.

In this maiden episode of 'We Can Work It Out,' Dr Jonathan Lord interviews Professor Ralph Darlington, a leading scholar in industrial relations and labor history. They explore the significant labor activism that occurred in Britain from 1910 to 1914, a period marked by unprecedented strikes and collective action among workers. Darlington discusses the role of key industries, the tensions between grassroots activists and union leadership, and the vital participation of women in labor movements. The conversation also delves into the state's response to labor unrest, highlighting the challenges faced by workers in their fight for rights and better conditions. Through this discussion, listeners gain insights into the historical context of labor struggles and their relevance to contemporary issues in workers' rights. This conversation delves into the historical context of the Labour Revolt from 1910 to 1914, exploring the political radicalisation of workers, the role of trade unions, and the emergence of alternative forms of worker power. It highlights the intersection of gender and class struggles, the influence of radical left activism, and draws parallels between historical and contemporary strike movements. The discussion emphasises the cyclical nature of industrial conflict and the lessons that contemporary unions can learn from past struggles, particularly the importance of collective mobilisation in building union strength.

In this episode of 'We Can Work It Out,' Dr. Jonathan Lord interviews Professor Ralph Darlington, a leading scholar in industrial relations and labor history. They explore the significant labor activism that occurred in Britain from 1910 to 1914, a period marked by unprecedented strikes and collective action among workers. Darlington discusses the role of key industries, the tensions between grassroots activists and union leadership, and the vital participation of women in labor movements. The conversation also delves into the state's response to labor unrest, highlighting the challenges faced by workers in their fight for rights and better conditions. Through this discussion, listeners gain insights into the historical context of labor struggles and their relevance to contemporary issues in workers' rights. This conversation delves into the historical context of the Labour Revolt from 1910 to 1914, exploring the political radicalisation of workers, the role of trade unions, and the emergence of alternative forms of worker power. It highlights the intersection of gender and class struggles, the influence of radical left activism, and draws parallels between historical and contemporary strike movements. The discussion emphasises the cyclical nature of industrial conflict and the lessons that contemporary unions can learn from past struggles, particularly the importance of collective mobilisation in building union strength.

In this maiden episode of 'We Can Work It Out,' Dr. Jonathan Lord interviews Professor Ralph Darlington, a leading scholar in industrial relations and labor history. They explore the significant labor activism that occurred in Britain from 1910 to 1914, a period marked by unprecedented strikes and collective action among workers. Darlington discusses the role of key industries, the tensions between grassroots activists and union leadership, and the vital participation of women in labor movements. The conversation also delves into the state's response to labor unrest, highlighting the challenges faced by workers in their fight for rights and better conditions. Through this discussion, listeners gain insights into the historical context of labor struggles and their relevance to contemporary issues in workers' rights. This conversation delves into the historical context of the Labour Revolt from 1910 to 1914, exploring the political radicalisation of workers, the role of trade unions, and the emergence of alternative forms of worker power. It highlights the intersection of gender and class struggles, the influence of radical left activism, and draws parallels between historical and contemporary strike movements. The discussion emphasises the cyclical nature of industrial conflict and the lessons that contemporary unions can learn from past struggles, particularly the importance of collective mobilisation in building union strength.

In this episode of 'We Can Work It Out,' Dr. Jonathan Lord interviews Professor Ralph Darlington, a leading scholar in industrial relations and labor history. They explore the significant labor activism that occurred in Britain from 1910 to 1914, a period marked by unprecedented strikes and collective action among workers. Darlington discusses the role of key industries, the tensions between grassroots activists and union leadership, and the vital participation of women in labor movements. The conversation also delves into the state's response to labor unrest, highlighting the challenges faced by workers in their fight for rights and better conditions. Through this discussion, listeners gain insights into the historical context of labor struggles and their relevance to contemporary issues in workers' rights. This conversation delves into the historical context of the Labour Revolt from 1910 to 1914, exploring the political radicalisation of workers, the role of trade unions, and the emergence of alternative forms of worker power. It highlights the intersection of gender and class struggles, the influence of radical left activism, and draws parallels between historical and contemporary strike movements. The discussion emphasises the cyclical nature of industrial conflict and the lessons that contemporary unions can learn from past struggles, particularly the importance of collective mobilisation in building union strength.

In this episode of 'We Can Work It Out,' Dr. Jonathan Lord interviews Professor Ralph Darlington, a leading scholar in industrial relations and labor history. They explore the significant labor activism that occurred in Britain from 1910 to 1914, a period marked by unprecedented strikes and collective action among workers. Darlington discusses the role of key industries, the tensions between grassroots activists and union leadership, and the vital participation of women in labor movements. The conversation also delves into the state's response to labor unrest, highlighting the challenges faced by workers in their fight for rights and better conditions. Through this discussion, listeners gain insights into the historical context of labor struggles and their relevance to contemporary issues in workers' rights. This conversation delves into the historical context of the Labour Revolt from 1910 to 1914, exploring the political radicalisation of workers, the role of trade unions, and the emergence of alternative forms of worker power. It highlights the intersection of gender and class struggles, the influence of radical left activism, and draws parallels between historical and contemporary strike movements. The discussion emphasises the cyclical nature of industrial conflict and the lessons that contemporary unions can learn from past struggles, particularly the importance of collective mobilisation in building union strength.