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LRA Confirms Spike in Calls from Distressed Hospitality Sector

NI’s Labour Relations Agency (LRA) has recorded a spike in calls from the local hospitality sector following the emergence of the Omicron variant and tightening of public health restrictions and introduction of new guidance to respond to this.

Estimating the costs of workplace conflict in Northern Ireland

Workplace conflict has a negative impact on organisational performance and the working experiences of those involved. Research commissioned by the Labour Relations Agency on workplace conflict in Northern Ireland suggests that disputes took up valuable time and eroded organisational culture.

These challenges have arguably become more acute in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic with pressure on recruitment, retention, engagement and productivity.

However, leaders and policymakers may underestimate the strategic importance of managing conflict at work. Conflict management is often unseen – taking place in the shadows and behind closed doors. Until recently, lack of visibility has been exacerbated by a lack of robust data. This analysis of the costs of workplace conflict in Northern Ireland finds that 37% of workers experience conflict each year at a cost of £851m.

The report in full can be found below, while our podcast on the topic can also be found here.

Calculation of Holiday entitlement for Term Time/Part year Workers

The Supreme Court decision handed down in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel on 20th July 2022 has now provided clarity on how statutory leave entitlement for workers who are described as part year workers (i.e. workers who work for varying hours during only certain weeks of the year but have a continuing contract throughout that year), should be calculated.

Addressing the £1bn financial impact of workplace conflict: The essential role of mediation in Northern Ireland

• North West first to offer post graduate course in mediation

The application of ‘conflict resolution’ strategies to the workplace could significantly reduce the staggering £1billion in costs which the NI economy is forced to bear each year, according to the new Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Agency for Northern Ireland (LRA).