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Employee representatives
Employees who act as representatives for consultation about redundancies or business transfers, or are candidates to be representatives of this kind, are entitled to reasonable time off with pay during working hours to perform these functions and to receive appropriate training.
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.
Breach of Contract
If an employer fundamentally breaches a contract of employment, it could lead to the employee resigning. If an employee fundamentally breaches a contract of employment he or she could be dismissed.
Who is an employee?
There are differences between ‘employees’, ‘workers’ and ‘contractors’. These differences in status can affect rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
Advice on Agreeing and Changing Contracts of Employment
This Guide is intended to give general advice and guidance about the main legal considerations which may arise when employers or employees wish to make changes to the contract of employment
Webinar - Essentials of Employment Law and Role of the Labour Relations Agency
This webinar provides an outline of the key aspects of employment law in Northern Ireland and the role of the Labour Relations Agency in helping employers and employees to understand their legal rights and responsibilities.
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.
Arms-Length Body (ALB) Review of the Labour Relations Agency (LRA)
In April 2023 the Department for the Economy (DfE) engaged Business Consultancy Services (BCS) to complete a review of the Labour Relations Agency (LRA). The review was conducted in line with Cabinet Office guidance, namely Tailored Reviews: Guidance on Reviews of Public Bodies (May 2019) and Guidance on the undertaking of Reviews of Public Bodies (December 2022).
Sexual Harassment Guidance - March 2024
This guide has been developed in partnership with the Northern Ireland Committee for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NIC-ICTU). It has been endorsed by Women in Business. The guide is designed for employers, employees and their representatives and aims to help eradicate sexual harassment from the workplace.
Maternity, Paternity and Parental leave
Pregnant employees are entitled to up to one year’s maternity leave. Paternity leave is available if certain criteria are met. Parents are also entitled to 18 weeks’ unpaid leave for each child up to their 18th birthday.