Search Results
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.”
No.498 Industrial Tribunals (Interest on Awards in Sexual Orientation Discrimination Cases) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003
These Regulations make special provisions in relation to interest on awards and compensation orders made by industrial tribunals under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (NI) 2003.
549 Disability Discrimination (Guidance on Code of Practice) (Appointed day) Order (Northern Ireland) 1996
This Order stipulates 2nd December 1996 as the date on which this guidance comes into force and addresses the elimination of discrimination in the field of employment against disabled persons or persons who have had a disability.
Preventing relationship problems
The best way to prevent relationship problems is to have policies and procedures that are fair, constructive and clear and there should be constructive communication to address issues as quickly as possible. We can help you to check if your policies and procedures are in line with best practice.
However, where relationships have been damaged by events in the workplace, the Labour Relations Agency can provide impartial and confidential mediation, conciliation or arbitration support to help resolve the situation.
The Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016
These Regulations consolidate and replace the provisions of the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 (the ‘1998 Regulations’) and the ten Statutory Rules which amended it from 1998 to 2009.
Rests and breaks
Employees are entitled to breaks for meals and to rest. As far as possible employers should provide breaks, facilities and comfortable surroundings for additional needs such as breastfeeding or expressing milk.
Annual Closedowns
Employers may elect to close their business at certain times of the year. (Christmas/new year)
The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2024
This Order increases, from 6th April 2024, the limits applying to certain awards of Employment Tribunals, and other sums payable under employment legislation, as specified in the Schedule to this Order.
To access the applicable rates, please click on the link at the bottom of this page