Short Course: International Labour Law

Course Outline

Labour Law is a constantly evolving field of law and one which has a direct impact on governments, businesses, civil society organisations and workers. It influences the way in which governments design and enforce their labour laws and policies. It also establishes standards which are relevant for businesses, and it provides workers and workers' associations with mechanisms for protection.

This course is designed to provide participants with a working knowledge of the relevant legal frameworks especially as they relate to rights at work, rights of association and representation, labour exploitation and modern slavery, the rights of vulnerable workers and the responsibilities of various entities including business, governments, and trade unions. Developments across these issues will be discussed within the ever-changing context of work today, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to increased gig-work and legislative developments on business accountability for human rights violations and others.

Building on BIICL's work in this area and bringing together a distinguished cohort of scholars and practitioners, this course provides a critical overview of international standards and structures for labour rights.

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Have a clear understanding of the principal elements of international labour law
• Be aware of the responsibilities of various entities involved in developing and upholding international labour standards
• Understand their role and the role of the organisations/entities they work for in combatting labour rights violations including modern slavery
• Be better able to engage in evolving debates on labour rights around the world

 
Indicative course topics:

• Principles and Structures of International Labour Law
  
• ILO - organisational structure
• Sources of International Labour Law - procedures and main substantive areas
• Supervision, reporting and complaint mechanisms
• Rights at Work: Health and Safety, Equality and Non-Discrimination, Wages
• Labour Inspectors
• Social Security
• Rights of Association and Representation
• Modern Slavery, Forced Labour, Child Labour, Labour Trafficking
• Migrant Workers and Other Vulnerable Workers
• Non-Standard Forms of Work / Gig Workers
• Business Responsibilities for Labour Rights in Supply Chains
   

Course leaders and tutors

Dr Jean-Pierre Gauci, Arthur Watts Senior Research Fellow in Public International Law and Director of Teaching and Training, BIICL and Dr Rosana Garciandia,  Research Fellow in Labour Exploitation and Human Rights, BIICL.

Who is the course for?

The course is beneficial to anyone with an interest in labour rights including those working for government (including national and sub-national government), trade unions and NGOs, legal practice (including law firms and chambers), businesses, and academia (including students).

Course format

The virtual course format will consist of a series of 5 sessions in which live (synchronous) teaching is offered via Zoom. Participants will be able to interact with the tutors and amongst themselves on screen.

Testimonials from Past Attendees

"Overall, an interesting course to cover a broad and deep subject area.""
Very much appreciated facilitators approach for current world information""
The training is so good to the extent I acquired new knowledge and skill"

Participants at BIICL short courses are also invited to join exclusive events for trainees following completion of the course.

Pricing and Registration

 The course cost is £400 per person.

Course Discounts

Member discount: 15% discount for individual members of BIICL
Details of individual memberships 

Group discounts:

• 15% discount for groups of 3 or more attendees from NGO organisations or staff of government
• 15% discount for groups of 5 or more attendees from commercial organisations

To apply for any of the group discounts please Contact Us.

Training scholarships

The British Institute of International and Comparative Law is committed to equality and opportunity in the legal profession and to support greater engagement of under-represented groups in the legal profession.

In our efforts in this regard we are delighted to offer 3 scholarships for each of our short courses to participants from communities and backgrounds currently under-represented in the legal community.

Applications for training scholarships must be received at least three weeks ahead of the course start date (6 September 2024).

Find out more about training scholarships 

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