Active learning ideas
Legislation and Business covers the legal framework that UK businesses must operate within, including employment law, consumer law, and health and safety. Students learn about the rights of workers and customers, and the consequences for businesses that break the law. For Year 11s, this is a practical lesson in rights and responsibilities that will serve them throughout their working lives.
Activity 01
A customer sues a business for a faulty product that caused 'harm.' Students act as the prosecution, defence, and jury, using the Consumer Rights Act to argue whether the business is liable.
How does employment law protect workers?
Activity 02
Set up stations with photos of 'messy' or 'dangerous' workplaces. Students rotate to identify the Health and Safety breaches and suggest the legal 'fix' for each, using a simplified version of the law.
What are the main principles of consumer protection law?
Activity 03
Students are given a scenario of an 'unfair dismissal.' They pair up to discuss which specific employment law has been broken and what the employee's next steps should be.
What are the consequences of failing to comply with health and safety regulations?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
A business can fire anyone for any reason.
In the UK, employees have strong protections against 'unfair dismissal' after a certain period. A 'role play' of a disciplinary meeting helps students understand the 'due process' a business must follow to stay within the law.
Health and Safety is just 'common sense.'
It is a strict legal requirement with massive fines and even prison sentences for directors. Peer discussion of 'famous' health and safety failures helps students see the seriousness of the legislation beyond just 'wearing a hard hat.'
Methods used in this brief
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Students will explore the ethical and environmental impacts of business activity. They will consider the trade-offs between profit and ethical behaviour.
8 methodologies
The Economic Climate
This topic covers how changes in the economic climate affect businesses. Students will look at interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates.
8 methodologies