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New Hybrid Working Guide Offers Timely Support to Employers
To coincide with the easing of Covid restrictions and anticipated lifting of the ‘work from home’ recommendation, a new guide offering NI employers the most up-to-date advice on ‘Hybrid Working’ has been launched by the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) for Northern Ireland.
The "Good Jobs" Employment Rights Bill Consultation - Podcast Transcript
This is a transcript of our podcast examining the Department for the Economy's "Good Jobs" Employment Rights Bill Consultation.
The podcast is available to listen to at https://www.lra.org.uk/resources/good-jobs-employment-rights-bill-consu…
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)
Types of problems
Problems can arise in any workplace. Below are some examples, though not an exhaustive list. Employers, employees and their representatives may find it helpful to refer to the Labour Relations Agency's codes of practice, sample letters, flowcharts and guides. Our service is confidential and all our resources are free of charge to anyone working to prevent or resolve a workplace issue in Northern Ireland.
504 Fair Employment (Specification of Public Authorities) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 1996
The Order amends the 1989 Order of the same name which specifies a number of persons or bodies as public authorities for certain purposes under the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 and provides for persons who are to be treated for such purposes as employees of some of these authorities. (see Schedules)
424 Fair Employment (Specification of Public Authorities) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 1998
This Order amends the 1989 Order of the same name which specifies a number of persons or bodies as public authorities for certain purposes under the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 and provides for persons who are to be treated for such purposes as employees of some of these authorities (see Schedules).
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.”
No. 421 Fair Employment (specification of public authorities) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2001
This Order amends the 2000 Order of the same name which specifies a number of persons or bodies as public authorities for certain purposes under the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 and provides for the persons who are to be treated for such purposes as employees of some of these authorities (see schedules).
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