Labour
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
There are various definitions of the term ‘labour’.
[edit] Construction
In the construction industry, labour is the term usually given to unskilled, manual workers on a site, i.e what is normally termed ‘manual labour’ or ‘site labour’. It may do a variety of jobs including, digging, cleaning, catering, carrying and lifting. Typically, such workers have little training or qualifications and may be employees of a contractor or sub-contractor, or temporary workers hired for part or all of the project. The term labour does not include consultants or skilled tradespeople (trades).
In the UK in recent years, much manual labour has come from countries such as Poland and Eastern Europe, particularly Romania and Bulgaria. Poland in particular has also supplied many skilled plumbers, electricians, carpenters and so on.
[edit] Economics
In the world of economics, ‘labour’ is one of the three ‘factors of production’, along with land and capital. Historically, the three factors have been required in combination to create a business or enterprise. However, the advent of the internet and e-business has obviated the need for land in some instances, e.g a business that only exists in cyberspace and therefore has no requirement for premises.
[edit] Politics
‘Labour’ is the name of a British political party that aims to support the interests of the workers and the lower-paid sections of society. Traditionally a party of the centre-left, it was founded in 1900 and grew out of the trade union movement. Since the 1920s, it has been the main rival to the Conservative Party. Ever since, the two entities have dominated British politics, alternating in power in what is called a ‘two-party’ system.
The term ‘labour’ may also be applied to similar left-leaning political parties around the world although they may not have ‘labour’ in their name but may be called something else, e.g the workers party or the socialist party. But generally, they will still be the party of labour.
[edit] Verb
When used as a verb, to ‘labour’ can mean to toil earnestly, or work hard or persistently at some task.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
How to write an inspection and test plan
ITPs for quality control and assurance particular elements.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Winners of the 2024 ASBP Awards
Project, Product and Initiative according to the 6 pillars.