Partnership agreement makes waves at Shields Shiprepairers Available to Purchase

When UK firm Shields Shiprepairers signed a formal social‐partnership agreement with trade‐union officials in 2000, the move represented a symbolic break from conflicts of the past and a rebranding of employee relations which, it was hoped, would act as a selling point in a competitive market. The accord, which was designed to enhance job security, received significant coverage in the business press, especially as it was signed at 10 Downing Street, witnessed by the UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair.