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Increase in statutory rates and limits on tribunal awards 2024
April sees the increase to the National living and minimum wage rates, minimum rates for agricultural workers, statutory redundancy pay, statutory payments including SSP and limits on tribunal awards.
Estimating the costs of workplace conflict in Northern Ireland
Workplace conflict has a negative impact on organisational performance and the working experiences of those involved. Research commissioned by the Labour Relations Agency on workplace conflict in Northern Ireland suggests that disputes took up valuable time and eroded organisational culture.
These challenges have arguably become more acute in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic with pressure on recruitment, retention, engagement and productivity.
However, leaders and policymakers may underestimate the strategic importance of managing conflict at work. Conflict management is often unseen – taking place in the shadows and behind closed doors. Until recently, lack of visibility has been exacerbated by a lack of robust data. This analysis of the costs of workplace conflict in Northern Ireland finds that 37% of workers experience conflict each year at a cost of £851m.
The report in full can be found below, while our podcast on the topic can also be found here.
Rests and breaks
Employees are entitled to breaks for meals and to rest. As far as possible employers should provide breaks, facilities and comfortable surroundings for additional needs such as breastfeeding or expressing milk.
Statutory Paternity Pay
When your wife, partner or civil partner gives birth or adopts a child, you may be entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay.
Shared Parental Leave (SPL)
SPL is a legal entitlement for eligible parents of babies due, or children placed for adoption, on or after 5 April 2015.
Resignation and termination of employment
A contract of employment may be ended with the agreement of both parties, or by the employer or employee giving the required amount of notice.
Restraint of Trade
Restraint of trade, also known as ‘restrictive covenants’ help organisations to protect themselves against competitors getting access to their confidential or commercially sensitive information.
Giving and Accepting Notice
If the employer or employee wishes to end the employment relationship they must give each other notice.
Mediation
An independent mediator can sometimes help resolve grievance or disciplinary issues. There is no charge for using the Labour Relations Agency's mediation service.
New employer-focused ‘Guide to Childcare’ supports employees and boosts economy
As labour shortages and staff retention continues to impact the economy, the issues associated with accessing or affording appropriate childcare - viewed by many parents as one of the main barriers to employment – have been addressed in a new Guide for Employers.