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Conciliation services

We offer a free conciliation service to help parties involved in a workplace dispute to come to a legally binding resolution without needing to go through a tribunal. We offer both individual conciliation and collective conciliation, for example where an issue affects a number of employees.

From 27 January 2020 a change in NI employment law means that anyone wishing to lodge a claim with the Industrial or Fair Employment Tribunal will need to contact us first to discuss the option of 'Early Conciliation'. If agreement is not reached through Early Conciliation parties can still proceed to tribunal if they wish.

COVID-19 - Advice for Employers and Employees

As Coronavirus in Northern Ireland continues, It is important that businesses and workers know what their rights and responsibilities are when it comes to protecting staff and themselves from the spread of the virus.

Annual Review of Employment Law 2020

We have published the narrative and video links (part 1 and part 2) of our Annual Review of Employment Law 2020, which has been delivered through a number of partnership events by our Director of Employment Relations Services, Mark McAllister.

Types of contracts

In addition to contracts of employment, a number of other types of contracts exist.

Resignation and termination of employment

A contract of employment may be ended with the agreement of both parties, or by the employer or employee giving the required amount of notice.

Contracts of Employment

A contract of employment is a legal agreement between an employer and an employee.  It comes into force when an employee agrees to work for an employer in return for pay. 

Right to work in Northern Ireland

It is important that an employer checks that a job applicant is allowed to work in the UK before they can employ them.  An employer could face a civil penalty if they employ an illegal worker and have not carried out a correct right to work check.  Employers must check the applicant's identity and nationality and make sure that they have the relevant immigration permission or visa in place.    

Discrimination when hiring

Fair treatment is not just a moral and legal obligation but makes good business sense. Employers who treat employees fairly will be best placed to recruit and retain staff in an increasingly diverse and competitive labour market.

Mediation

An independent mediator can sometimes help resolve grievance or disciplinary issues. There is no charge for using the Labour Relations Agency's mediation service.

Employer-led Early Conciliation

Early Conciliation is available to employers who are dealing with a workplace dispute which could result in a claim being made to the Industrial or Fair Employment Tribunal. The employer's representative can also contact us to request Early Conciliation on the employer's behalf.