About the Labour Relations Agency

We provide a free, impartial and confidential employment relations service to those engaged in industry, commerce and the public services. Our services include the provision of advice on good employment practices and assistance with the development and implementation of employment policies and procedures. We are also active in resolving disputes through our conciliation, mediation and arbitration services.

  • Who we are

    The Labour Relations Agency (the Agency) was established in 1976 with responsibility for promoting the improvement of employment relations in Northern Ireland.  It is independent and publicly funded.

  • What we do

    The Labour Relations Agency provides free, impartial and confidential services to employers, employer bodies, employees and workers in Northern Ireland, as well as Trade Unions, HR and legal professionals.

  • Vision

    It is our vision to be widely recognised as Northern Ireland’s leading authority in promoting productive working relationships for the benefit of individuals and organisations and to support the creation of a thriving and inclusive economy.

  • Purpose

    Our purpose is to improve employment relations, promote best employment practice and resolve workplace disputes through the delivery of high quality, impartial and independent services.

  • Values

    To achieve our vision and purpose, our values are to be progressive, ethical, exemplary and responsive. These values underpin all that we do.

  • Current Vacancies - Working for the Labour Relations Agency

    Our role is to improve employment relations in Northern Ireland and our core business is the delivery of responsive advisory and dispute resolution services.

    VACANCY - CHIEF EXECUTIVE

    The Agency’s Board is seeking to recruit a Chief Executive who will lead us through the next stage of our journey. 

    This is an exciting and demanding opportunity requiring an exceptional leader to build on the Agency’s existing achievements in supporting the creation of a cohesive labour market and a thriving and inclusive economy.

    We require a progressive and high performing leader who can clearly identify with our vision, values and purpose and have a genuine passion for the work we do. 

    If you are that person, and are interested in finding out more, click here to obtain further information.

  • Equality statement

    The Labour Relations Agency fully supports the elimination of all forms of discrimination in employment.

  • Agency structure

    The vision and objectives of the Labour Relations Agency are determined by a Board consisting of a Chair and nine members who are appointed by the Department for the Economy (DfE). Staff are direct employees of the Agency.  They receive continuous training and development on changes in employment legislation and employment relations practice and procedures.

  • Governance

    Information relating to how we are organised

  • Statistics Hub

    The Labour Relations Agency produces a wide range of statistics in the course of its service delivery.  We believe that a lot of the information we hold may be of interest to a range of individuals, including researchers and students, and groups including trade unions and employer organisations.  

    So when releasing statistics we choose those which we think are of wide interest.

  • This page sets out how the Labour Relations Agency strives to deliver excellent customer service.  It also provides the resources we use to support our work.