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Customer Service
This page sets out how the Labour Relations Agency strives to deliver excellent customer service. It also provides the resources we use to support our work.
Starting out
There is lots to think about when starting a new job, or when hiring new staff. It is important that there are good processes in place so that everyone meets their responsibilities and everyone’s rights are protected.
Who is an employee?
There are differences between ‘employees’, ‘workers’ and ‘contractors’. These differences in status can affect their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
Holidays and Leave
Employees and workers are entitled to various types of leave depending on their circumstances and the length of time they have been employed.
Types of employee
There are different types of employees, including agency workers, apprentices, piece workers, posted workers and young workers. Further information on each is provided below.
Ending employment
When employment contracts end through resignation, retirement, dismissal or redundancy, there are rights and responsibilities for both the employer and employee.
Rights and responsibilities
Both employers and employees have certain rights and responsibilities towards each other. Some will apply to everyone in the workplace, while others will be dependent on the individual’s working status.
Pay and wages
Employees and workers receive some form of payment in return for the work they do.
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.
Steps to resolve
When there is an issue in the workplace, employers and employees have a number of options and steps they can take to resolve it, ranging from informal conversations to formal processes and procedures.