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Conciliation services

We offer conciliation services 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 legislation means that anyone wishing to lodge a claim with the Industrial or Fair Employment tribunal will need to contact the Labour Relations Agency 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.

Types of contracts

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

Deductions from pay - employees

If the amount you have been paid differs from what is expected, speak with your employer first to check what has happened. Your employer can then either correct the mistake or explain why there is a change in your 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.    

Disciplinary procedures

Disciplinary procedures are used for dealing with problems with employees' conduct or their performance, which could lead to warnings or dismissal.

Contractor versus Employee versus Worker

Employees, workers and contractors have different rights and responsibilities.

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.

Collective bargaining

This is one method that employers use to work with trade unions or works councils to negotiate matters such as terms and conditions of employment for certain groups or all their employees.

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.

Sick leave

From one time to another, employing organisations will experience absence by their staff due to illness. Illness absences are usually unplanned. This makes planning and covering work difficult for employers given the short notice of illness occurrences.