10.2190/L7K5-PVB2-RCE2-ENNE L7K5PVB2RCE2ENNE 0 THE GOVERNMENT AS A MODEL EMPLOYER: A CHANGE OF DIRECTION IN BRITAIN? 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=L7K5PVB2RCE2ENNE 3 P. B. BEAUMONT This article argues that, contrary to the belief of some commentators, the Thatcher Government in Britain has not abandoned the role of acting as a model employer in the public sector. Since 1979, the government has, however, substantially changed the nature of the example that it is seeking to set for the private sector; this proposition is indicated by its departure from the traditional practice of encouraging union organization in the public sector. The evidence of date suggests that the government example in this regard has not been widely emulated by private sector employers.