Groundbreaking Proposal Unveiled for Upholding Worker Rights

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched plans for a major upgrade in employment law in Northern Ireland. In a statement delivered in the Assembly today, the Minister outlined proposals for an Employment Bill, supported by secondary legislation, statutory Codes of Practice, and guidance.

Proposed Changes
Among the proposals are changes to zero-hour contracts, which will mean that employees will have the right to request a banded-hours contract, the end of so-called 'fire and rehire,' and the giving of employees the 'right to disconnect.' Other proposals include increased powers for trade unions, such as lowering the recognition threshold from 21 employees to 10 and allowing them to conduct ballots electronically.

Comprehensive Bill
The Minister has also proposed legislating to make flexible working a day one right for employees, introducing neonatal leave and carers leave, and changing paternity leave so that parents can split their two weeks up to be taken at any time during the child's first year.

Balanced Approach
Explaining the significance of the proposed measures, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald stated, 'I think this is the biggest upgrade to our employment legislation since the Good Friday Agreement. The proposals are ambitious, but I believe that the right balance has been struck in terms of what will be effective for both workers and employers.'