Search Results
Contractor versus Employee versus Worker
Employees, workers and contractors have different rights and responsibilities.
No 105 The Flexible Working Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015
These Regulations deal with eligibility, applications, breaches of procedure and compensation in relation to statutory applications for contract variation to allow flexible working under the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 - (See Article 112f)
Types of problems
Problems can arise in any workplace. Below are some examples, though not an exhaustive list. Employers, employees and their representatives may find it helpful to refer to the Labour Relations Agency's codes of practice, sample letters, flowcharts and guides. Our service is confidential and all our resources are free of charge to anyone working to prevent or resolve a workplace issue in Northern Ireland.
No 1894 The National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2008
These Regulations amend the 1999 Regulations by making some technical changes to wording but also changes the principal rates (commencing in October 2008) from £5.52 up to £5.73, (18-21 yr old rate) – will increase from £4.60 to £4.77, and those below 18 will see the rate increase from £3.40 to £3.53. Other changes in the Regulations relate to how a worker qualifies for NMW when on certain government schemes, the position regarding work trials, applicable accommodation values (£4.46) and so on.
Bereavement Leave
Employees are sometimes entitled to paid bereavement leave if someone close to them dies. All employees are entitled to reasonable time off without pay to arrange or attend the funeral of a dependant.
The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022
Changes to the legislation around fit notes from doctors. Removes the need for a fit note to be presented in ink. change live from 6/4/22.
The Coronavirus Act 2020
The Coronavirus Act 2020 creates a new, temporary, statutory right for eligible workers to take Emergency Volunteering Leave to assist the Health and Social Care system in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Sections 8 and 9 refer to Emergency Volunteers
Probationary periods
Employers may sometimes state that a contract of employment is permanent subject to the completion of a satisfactory probationary period.
No 95 The Maternity and Adoption Leave (Curtailment of Statutory Rights to Leave) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015
These Regulations come into operation on 15/3/15 and enable an expectant mother or a mother on maternity leave, or an adopter or a prospective adopter to give notice to end her/his relevant entitlement on a specific future date.
No 63 The Employment Rights (Increase in Limits) Order Northern Ireland
This Order increases, from 6th April 2019, the limits applying to certain awards of industrial tribunals, the Fair Employment Tribunal or Labour Relations Agency statutory arbitration, and other amounts payable under employment legislation, as specified in the Schedule to the Order.