Search Results
Employee grievances
November 2021
This Information Note provides guidance on general principles in relation to employee grievances. It is not a substitute for the Agency’s Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.
Über Decision Significant for Other Gig Workers, Says Labour Relations Agency
The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) has described today’s (19 February 2021) Supreme Court judgment affecting Über drivers, as a landmark decision.
Key differences in employment law between NI and GB
There are significant differences between the employment laws which apply in England, Scotland and Wales and those which apply in Northern Ireland.
Please contact our Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300 for further information.
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.”
Joint Declaration of Protection (for Dignity at Work and Inclusive Working Environment)
Joint Declaration of Protection (for Dignity at Work and Inclusive Working Environment) launched by the NI Employment Relations Roundtable.
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.
Changes to Fit Note requirements in Northern Ireland
The requirements for doctors fit notes in Northern Ireland have been amended to remove the need for a doctor to produce a fit note in ink. The change becomes live from the 6th April 2022.
The Department For Communities have explained the change here.
The legislation for the change can be found here or on our dedicated legislation pages on this website. (click the legislation button at the top of this page)
Landmark Holiday Pay case concluded by UK Supreme Court
The long awaited decision from the Supreme Court in the case of Chief Constable of Police Service of Northern Ireland v Agnew and others [UKSC33] was passed down on the 04/10/2023.
In essence the case was about how to properly calculate holiday pay and how far back claims can go where the amount was miscalculated.
Annual Review of Employment Law - Mark McAllister - November 2020
This document provides an overview of our 'Annual Review of Employment Law', which is delivered through a number of partnership events, by our Director of Employment Relations Services, Mark McAllister.