Latest News

Keep up to date with the latest in employment relations in Northern Ireland

Labour Relations Agency retains Bronze Diversity Mark

20 April 2023

The Labour Relations Agency has successfully retained the Bronze Diversity Charter Mark in recognition of their ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Increase in statutory rates and limits on tribunal awards 2024

30 March 2023

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.

New Beginnings for the Labour Relations Agency

27 January 2023

A new year brings new beginnings for The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) which recently moved from its former home in the iconic Cathedral Quarter of Belfast – its base for 25 years.

LRA ‘Breaks the Silence’ on Domestic Abuse

27 January 2023

New guidance for employers on supporting staff affected by domestic violence & abuse.

Lyons to bring forward Miscarriage Leave and Pay regulations for NI

24 October 2022

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons today launched a consultation which will bring forward dedicated legislation for Miscarriage Leave and Pay in Northern Ireland.  

LRA Publishes Guidance on Bank Holiday for Queen Elizabeth's Funeral

12 September 2022

The Labour Relations Agency has published guidance for employers and employees following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in relation to the special bank holiday that has been confirmed for Monday 19 September 2022.

Read more here.

New employer-focused ‘Guide to Childcare’ supports employees and boosts economy

05 September 2022

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.

Calculation of Holiday entitlement for Term Time/Part year Workers

30 August 2022

The Supreme Court decision handed down in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel on 20th July 2022 has now provided clarity on how statutory leave entitlement for workers who are described as part year workers (i.e. workers who work for varying hours during only certain weeks of the year but have a continuing contract throughout that year), should be calculated.

Wider list of healthcare professionals to sign fit notes from July 2022

22 June 2022

The list of those who can sign Fit Notes will change from 1 July 2022 to include registered nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists, in addition to doctors. Find the legislation here.

LRA Best Dissertation Prize Winner

Erin McGuigan and Don Leeson

Erin McGuigan, from Dungiven, has won this year’s Labour Relations Agency Award for Best Dissertation in Ulster University Business School’s MSc in Human Resource Management. Erin’s award-winning dissertation delves into the contemporary workplace issue of on-boarding and integrating new and returning staff in a hybrid work setting. Pictured is Don Leeson, Chief Executive of The Labour Relations Agency, extending his congratulations to Erin on her achievement. 

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

These Regulations are made in response to the serious and imminent threat to public health which is posed by the incidence and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Northern Ireland.  Effective from 24/5/21, Regulation 4 introduces an exemption for gatherings in respect of lawful industrial action.

Economy Minister welcomes new legislation to protect Northern Ireland workers

The Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (Protection from Detriment in Health and Safety Cases) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 extends protections against detriment in health and safety cases to workers in relation to any action they may take to protect themselves or others where they reasonably believe there is serious and imminent danger in their place of work.

For more info visit https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/economy-minister-welcomes-new-legislation-protect-northern-ireland-workers

Economy Minister Introduces Bill for Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay

Economy Minister Diane Dodds today introduced a Bill to the Assembly to legislate for statutory Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay in Northern Ireland.

Read more.

 Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 brings changes to Statutory Sick Pay, Maternity Pay, Paternity pay and Parental pay from 6 April 2021.