In some respects, this is an influence for good, since Mr Brown stresses the need for more flexible labour markets if the system is to work.

ECONOMIST: Britain and EMU

Social Security Secretary Alistair Darling said the government was moving away from having a "passive" welfare system to an "active" one capable of responding to more flexible work patterns.

BBC: Work and welfare agencies to merge

In an interview with Stateline, a news service that looks at trends in state policy, a vice-president of Remy, Jay Pittas, argued that RTW legislation makes it easier to negotiate flexible work rules, and means that unions are more likely to agree to a merit-based system of employment rather than a one based on seniority.

ECONOMIST: Indiana becomes the 23rd ��right-to-work�� state