In this introductory book - written from a managerial perspective - the focus is on the diffuse roots, complexities and varieties of British employee relations practices. It puts employee relations into its wider socio-economic contexts and seeks to provide a framework within which students of personnel and development can identify and understand the role of management in managing the employment relationship, contextually, operationally and strategically. The text seeks to be analytical, academic and rigorous in its approach and emphasises the contingent nature of employee relations management.Contingency means that there are not only choices and alternative approaches for management in taking decisions in employee relations, but also constraints and limitations on areas of managerial discretion in managing employees. In line with its managerial thrust, and compared with other texts on the subject, this one also provides opportunities for developing the competency of students, by enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills of employee relations to practical situations. This practical approach to employee relations management is underlined by the conceptual, theoretical and empirical content of the chapters and by the assignments at the end of them. These assignments require students to do wider reading, undertake activities and problem-solve real-life issues.