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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 105 The Flexible Working Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015
These Regulations deal with eligibility, applications, breaches of procedure and compensation in relation to statutory applications for contract variation to allow flexible working under the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 - (See Article 112f)
No. 62 The Statutory Maternity Pay (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005
These Regulations amend the 1987 Regulations to provide for continuity of employment in respect of a dismissal where a woman commences a statutory dispute resolution procedure and as a consequence of the procedure is reinstated or re-engaged by her employer (on or after 6/4/05).
No 145 The Sex Discrimination Order 1976 (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015
The Regulations, from 6/4/15, amend the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order1976 to comply with an EU Pilot investigation concerning the transposition of Council Directive 2004/113/EC in Northern Ireland.
8 Equal Opportunities (Employment Legislation) (Territorial Limits) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000
These Regulations relate to the “posting” of workers in terms of equality of treatment between men and women and other provisions on non-discrimination are extended to said postal workers. (Workers who, for a limited period, carry out work in another Member State).
No 156 The Sex Discrimination Order 1976 (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
These Regulations amend the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 (“the 1976 Order”) to give full effect in Northern Ireland to Articles 2(1)(b) (indirect discrimination) and 17(1) (Defence of rights) of Council Directive 2006/54/EC of 5th July 2006 (“the Directive”) on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast).
No 159 The Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (Commencement No. 1, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 - S.R. 2011 No. 159 (C. 8).
This Order brings into operation the provisions of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (2011 c. 13 (N.I.)) (“the Act”) set out in Article 2. Those provisions come into operation on 3rd April 2011.
Advice on Managing Difficult Conversations
The ability to be able to talk about very sensitive and emotive issues is an integral part of effective line management and can be critical to managing performance, promoting attendance and improving team dynamics. These difficult conversations should not be avoided.
No. 50 The Disability Discrimination Code of Practice (Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises) (Appointed Day) Order (Northern Ireland) 2004
Under Article 54A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland may prepare and issue codes of practice giving practical guidance: to - employers, service providers; to - promote equality of opportunity, encourage good practice in the field of employment and in access to goods, facilities services and premises. (01/03/04)