Hospitality employers urged to respond to ‘good jobs’ consultation
A law firm is calling on employers in Northern Ireland hospitality and other professions to respond to the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill consultation launched by the Department for the Economy last month.
The consultation, which closes on 30th September, sets out significant, potential reforms to Northern Irish employment law, including proposed changes to terms of employment, pay and benefits, voice and representation and work-life balance laws.
Lewis Silkin has issued a survey on key areas and aspects of the consultation to inform its response to the consultation. This is open until 12th September. It will be supplemented by a face-to-face event in Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel on 10th September when the Lewis Silkin team will provide an analysis on the proposed reforms and their likely impact for businesses.
The ‘voice and representation’ proposals include a reduction in the number of employees that unions need to seek formal recognition in workplaces.
Proposed pay and benefits changes include fair and transparent allocation of tips to workers, extending a right to a payslip and clarity of payslip information.
Work-life balance reforms are also on the table with proposed reforms including a right to request flexible working from the first day of employment, one week’s carer’s leave (potentially paid) and enhanced paternity and neonatal leave.
Lewis Silkin partner and employment law specialist Paul Gillen says the firm launched its survey to ensure it provides a thorough, diverse and all-encompassing response to the consultation.
“This is the first major employment law consultation in Northern Ireland in over ten years and it promises to overhaul several important areas of employment rights,” says Mr Gillen.
“Some of the proposed changes, such as a potential overhaul of zero-hour contracts, how holiday pay is calculated and increasing trade unions’ rights to access workplaces have the potential to significantly impact employers in right across Northern Ireland.
“This is an important time for employers across NI to engage with the proposals and share their views on how the potential changes could impact their business.”
To respond to Lewis Silkin’s survey, or to register to attend the in-person event please visit:
Lewis Silkin – Northern Ireland Employment Law Reform Impact
