Labour Relations Agency Public Meeting to Explore Link Between Good Employment Relations and a Strong Economy

Employers and employees across Northern Ireland are invited to hear about the dispute resolution and prevention services the Labour Relations Agency provides, as well as a lecture on the role of good employment relations and practices in strengthening the economy.

Speaking about the event, Labour Relations Agency Chair, Marie Mallon said:

“We are looking forward to welcoming this year’s guest speakers, Owen Reidy, Assistant General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and Gordon Milligan, Deputy Chief Executive of Translink and Chair of the Institute of Directors, who will give their views and invite discussion on strengthening the labour market in Northern Ireland. They will also reinforce the support the LRA can offer to anyone who has an employment-related issue.

"The Labour Relations Agency has had a very busy year handling over 38,000 individual employment rights claims and over 17,600 calls to our Enquiry Point, as well as delivering 162 events. Our services are free of charge, independent, confidential and impartial, and can remove a lot of stress and uncertainty for employers and employees alike, who need to check the latest employment legislation or best practice in workplace relations. Our annual public meeting is also an opportunity to encourage more employers and trade unions to adopt the ‘Model Workplace Policy’, created as part of the Joint Declaration of Protection for Dignity at Work and Inclusive Working Environment," said Marie.

The Labour Relations Agency is encouraging anyone who would like to know more, or speak to one of its team, to register for the event by emailing lra.ceo@lra.org.uk or calling 028 9033 7416.

The Labour Relations Agency’s services include advice on good employment practices, vetting of employment policies and procedures as well as dispute resolution through its conciliation, mediation and arbitration services. The Labour Relations Agency’s Enquiry Point team can be contacted on 03300 555 300 or via www.lra.org.uk.

For more information contact Keelin Kelly, Communications Manager on 028 9033 7410 / 07799 032203 or email keelin.kelly@lra.org.uk

Notes to Editor

The ‘Joint Declaration for Dignity at Work and Inclusive Working Environment’ is a ground-breaking statement on creating an inclusive workplace which was developed by employer representative bodies and Trade Unions working together at the NI Roundtable on Employment Relations. The NI Roundtable is facilitated and chaired by the Labour Relations Agency.