Search Results
Right to work in Northern Ireland
It is important that an employer checks that a job applicant is allowed to work in the UK before they can employ them. An employer could face a civil penalty if they employ an illegal worker and have not carried out a correct right to work check.
Employers must check the applicant's identity and nationality and make sure that they have the relevant immigration permission or visa in place.
Do you need assistance to complete the Early Conciliation form?
If you are unable to complete the Early Conciliation notification form online you can:
- contact the Labour Relations Agency on 03300 552 224 and a staff member will take the details over the phone;
- download and complete the form by hand and post it to one of the Labour Relations Agency's offices at:
2-16 Gordon Street, Belfast, BT1 2LG or
3rd Floor, Richmond Chambers, The Diamond, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6HN; or
- call in to one of our offices where we can provide a private space for you to complete the online form.
Conciliation services
We offer free conciliation services to help parties involved in a workplace dispute to come to a legally binding resolution, without needing to go through a public tribunal. We offer both individual conciliation and collective conciliation, for example where an issue affects a number of employees.
Resources
We provide a range of resources to help you navigate employment relations in Northern Ireland.
Please note that on 6 December 2022 we will have moved our Head Office to new premises at James House, 2-4 Cromac Avenue, the Gasworks, Belfast. However, some of our guides and resources may still have our old, Gordon Street address on them. We are systematically working our way through to update them with the new address. Phone numbers (03300 555 300 and 03300 552 220) and email addresses remain the same.
Types of contracts
In addition to contracts of employment, a number of other types of contracts exist.
Time off for trade union duties and activities
An employee who is an official of an independent trade union is entitled to paid time off in certain circumstances.
Discrimination when hiring
Fair treatment is not just a moral and legal obligation but makes good business sense. Employers who treat employees fairly will be best placed to recruit and retain staff in an increasingly diverse and competitive labour market.
Interviews
When replies to the job advertisement have been received, it is appropriate to:
• match applications against the job description and person specification;
• eliminate applicants who do not have the basic requirements for the job; and
• draw up a shortlist of candidates for interview.
Selecting and appointing
The final stage in the recruitment and selection process is the most important — choosing the best person for the job.
Details a written statement must contain
Employers are required to provide employees with a written statement of particulars of employment within two months of the commencement of employment.