Alumni profile: Workers’ rights
Professor Michael Ford QC LLB 1986. Professor of Employment Law 2015-2021
A renowned employment barrister, a one time member of the GB international cycling team, and a legal champion for workers’ rights, Michael Ford QC returned to the University of Bristol and academic life for a period between 2015 and 2021. Here we find out about the man behind the wig, the court cases he’s most proud of - and his passion for cycling. For many becoming silk would mark the pinnacle of their career. What led you to take the path back to academia?
I always had it at the back of my mind to return to academia. With more than 20 years in practice and writing on labour law I felt I could make a significant contribution. Employment rights are increasingly taking a poor second place to economic interests and access to justice is becoming a major problem.
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In theory, there are many legal rights, but in practice fewer and fewer people have the money, knowledge or support to enforce them. Other means of ensuring fairness at work, such as collective rights, are under siege. This opened up huge opportunities for research both for me - and for the students I hope I have challenged in this area.