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Social Media House Rules
Guidance for friends and followers of LRA social media accounts.
The Labour Relations Agency has a number of social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and You Tube. We do not endorse any private companies or individuals even if we're 'friends' with or 'follow' their social media accounts.
We reserve the right to delete posts or comments from our social media channels without warning if we believe they:
- are defamatory or libellous;
- breach Data Protection Regulations;
- use obscene or foul language;
- are distasteful, offensive or antagonistic;
- are political or electioneering in nature; or
- are advertising or promotional in nature without the prior agreement of the Labour Relations Agency.
Any persistent offenders may be blocked without prior notice.
The Labour Relations Agency's decision is final.
Who is an employee?
There are differences between ‘employees’, ‘workers’ and ‘contractors’. These differences in status can affect rights and responsibilities in 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.
Economy Minister welcomes new legislation to protect Northern Ireland workers
Economy Minister Diane Dodds has welcomed new employment legislation which will benefit workers across Northern Ireland.
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.
It will come into operation on 31 May 2021. At present, these protections cover only employees.
The Order must be approved by a resolution of the Assembly within six months of coming into operation. It must therefore be confirmed on or before 31 November 2021.
The move has its origins in a Judicial Review brought by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain against the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain.
A High Court Judgment was published in November which directed that the Health and Safety Framework Directive and the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Directive should apply to a wider group of workers, not just employees.
Minister Dodds said: “This Order is about more than about responding appropriately to the decision of a High Court ruling. It will also give clarity to business and individuals.
“As businesses emerge from lockdown, everyone will need to be protected during the transition back to the workplace.
“This Order will allow some of our most vulnerable workers the legal protection they need to act to ensure their own safety and the safety of others without fear of suffering detriment for doing the right thing. This includes protecting them against being denied promotion or training opportunities.”
1871-1976
Index of employment-related statute (Acts and Orders) 1871-1976
EARLY CONCILIATION COMES TO NORTHERN IRELAND 27 JANUARY 2020
Following a change in employment law, the Labour Relations Agency will provide a new service to employees, employers, and their representatives.
Service Standards
The Agency's service standards are set out in our Customer Charter. Any complaint about the delivery of an Agency service can be brought to a Director of the Agency.
We will fully investigate the complaint and respond within ten working days. If the person complaining is not satisfied with the response he/she can raise it with the Chief Executive who will reply within ten working days.
If the individual is still not satisfied he/she can refer the matter to the Ombudsman. A copy of the Agency’s Customer Complaints Procedure, which includes guidance on raising a complaint is available from the Agency or can be downloaded here.