We consider the relative Bruce–Roberts number $\mu _{\textrm {BR}}^{-}(f,\,X)$ of a function on an isolated hypersurface singularity $(X,\,0)$. We show that $\mu _{\textrm {BR}}^{-}(f,\,X)$ is equal to the sum of the Milnor number of the fibre $\mu (f^{-1}(0)\cap X,\,0)$ plus the difference $\mu (X,\,0)-\tau (X,\,0)$ between the Milnor and the Tjurina numbers of $(X,\,0)$. As an application, we show that the usual Bruce–Roberts number $\mu _{\textrm {BR}}(f,\,X)$ is equal to $\mu (f)+\mu _{\textrm {BR}}^{-}(f,\,X)$. We also deduce that the relative logarithmic characteristic variety $LC(X)^{-}$, obtained from the logarithmic characteristic variety $LC(X)$ by eliminating the component corresponding to the complement of $X$ in the ambient space, is Cohen–Macaulay.

The definition of Thom polynomials for Lagrange, Legendre and critical point function singularities is given. The approach is based on the notion of classifying space of singularities. This approach provides a universal method for computing Thom polynomials. Characteristic classes of complex Lagrange and Legendre singularities of small codimension are computed. Two independent methods for these computations are presented. The first is the direct one based on the resolution of singularities, the Gysin homomorphism, and the notion of adjacency exponents. The second uses the existence theorem for Thom polynomials and is based on Rimányi's idea of using symmetries. The expressions for the resulting polynomials reduced modulo 2 agree with those obtained by Vassiliev for the real case.