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A few UK employers are beginning to eliminate inequality and improve standards for employees. This is exemplified by the fact that local authority employees are about to benefit from an agreement between trade unions and local government which will bring about equal status for all workers. Between 1997 and 2000-2002 all those who are employed by a local authority will have their jobs evaluated so that men and women carrying out similar tasks will be paid the same rate, and be entitled to the same benefits. In exchange they will be required to work harder.

A survey of 144 directors in 41 firms during 1985 and 1986 in a Manpower Services Commission-sponsored research project conducted by the International Management Centre reveals how management development systems have affected the development of directors. Research results indicate that most directors have learned through a combination of accidental and unstructured experiences, and that systems of management development have not had significant influence. Research also shows that management development systems have failed because they are not related to planning processes or they are not perceived as offering returns on investment.