Northern Ireland's biggest employment law shake up (since devolution) is coming - Don't risk falling behind!

Major changes to employment law are coming to Northern Ireland - the Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill proposes the most significant package of employment law reforms since devolution. 

Driven by the desire to create "Good Jobs" - secure, fair, and supportive of work-life balance - the proposed reforms will significantly impact all employers. SMEs, in particular, may face challenges due to limited resources, increased administrative responsibilities, and reduced operational flexibility needed to stay compliant while managing daily business demands. Here's my summary of the key changes - though there will be more in the detail and further discussions in the weeks & months ahead. 

Key Changes 

  • Zero hours contracts: Right to have a banded hours contracts instead 
  • Written statement of particulars must be provided on or before first date of employment 
  • Fire & Rehire to change terms of employment: Will make dismissal unfair unless employee agrees to changes 
  • Redundancy: Personal Liability for failure to notify authorities; enhanced protection from redundancy for those returning from maternity/adoption/shared parental leave 
  • Employment Agency Inspectorate: enhance their enforcement powers 
  • Agency Workers Rights: Removal pay between assignment contracts; mandatory provision of a Key Information Document 
  • Tips/Gratuities: Fair & transparent allocation 
  • Holiday Pay Reform: holiday pay reference period will move to a 52-week period (vs 12 weeks currently) 
  • Right to Disconnect: new Statutory Code of Practice 
  • Flexible Working Request: Day 1 right; Two requests can be made within 12 months; Employee does not need to demonstrate the impact of their request on the employer 
  • Trade Unions: Right to access workplace including digital access; reduce the recognition threshold from 21 employees to 10 employees; e-balloting 
  • Collective Bargaining: Policy development on a potential Collective Bargaining framework 
  • Workplace Relationships: Code of Practice on facilitating positive workplace relations between employers & Trade Unions 
  • Carer's Leave: Up to one week annually - unpaid leave - to support someone with a long term care need. Will seek to transition to statutory entitlement to paid Carer's Leave in the future 
  • Neonatal Care Leave: Up to 12 weeks leave; statutory payment; Day 1 right 
  • Paternity Leave: Alignment with GB - can be taken within 52 weeks of birth/adoption; can be taken in two x 1 week blocks or as a two week block. Day 1 right 

When will these changes take effect? 

The majority of the proposed reforms will be implemented in the Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill with an anticipated implementation by early 2027. The Department for Economy intends to present the Bill to the Assembly in 2026, subject to approval of the Executive. However, certain elements, such as Codes of Practice, updated guidance, or changes enacted via secondary legislation, may be rolled out earlier. 

The countdown has begun 

For SMEs, navigating the upcoming employment law reforms can feel overwhelming, especially without in-house HR expertise. With so many competing economic pressures, it is understandable that legislative changes might not be your top priority. 

Smart SMEs are already preparing - will you lead or follow? 

Forward-thinking businesses are already reviewing their policies, employee handbooks, pay & benefits structures, and employee engagement strategies to ensure they stay compliant and competitive. Don't risk falling behind. These reforms are coming, and preparation is key. If you want to maintain your edge in the market and avoid costly disruptions, the time to act is now. 

Start reviewing your HR practices today to ensure your business is ready for what lies ahead. 

With 25+ years experience in HR, including nearly a decade as Global HR Director with Norbrook Laboratories, I understand the importance of staying ahead of employment law changes. 

The upcoming Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill will reshape how businesses operate. 

Don't get caught unprepared! Let's make sure your business is ready, compliant, and a step ahead of the competition.

Contact me today to get started.

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