1. The Conservatives’ policies towards the labour market since 1979 are reviewed by Deakin (1992) and Michie and Wilkinson (1992), while Rubery (1989) discusses labour market ‘flexibility’ in Britain.
2. Under the pay review body system, recommendations are made by the review bodies as to the appropriate level of salary increases for particular staff groups. The system is intended to limit the risk of industrial action in the NHS by reducing confrontation in wage negotiations.
3. Government response to Social Services Committee, Cm. 405, 1989.
4. Due to a reduction in the working week of nurses in 1981 (from 40 to 37.5 hours) the whole-time equivalent figures for nursing staff are inflated in comparison with years prior to 1981.
5. ‘Health chiefs overshoot jobs cut by 10000’, Guardian, 9 May 1986, p. 3.