ABSTRACT
The chapter is structured around the two major themes which are seen to emerge from the data: the common recognition of a mental/manual split between office and factory work/workers and the common perception that the labour market is structured hierarchically, with office work above factory work. The resulting data and analysis are used to present further evidence which acts against the prevailing paradigm of occupational flexibility set out above and present in recent government publications. It is seen that the pictures and perceptions articulated by respondents add to the model of non-competitive work groups which were also present in views and values on skills and channels of recruitment. The chapter structure reflects the themes of a mental/manual split and a hierarchy of occupations, with an analysis of the comments of Bristol Insurance respondents being followed by an analysis of the comments of those from Bristol Laminated.
