Menu
08/03/2012
Workplace Reform Bill To Be Published
Mr. Richard Bruton, T.D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has announced that he will publish and enact the Workplace Relations (Law Reform) Bill.
The legislation will establish new institutional employment rights and industrial relations structures.
A Workplace Relations Commission will bring together the existing services of the Equality Tribunal, the National Employment Rights Authority, the Labour Relations Commission and the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal, while all appeals will be heard by a single appeals body formed by integrating the appellate functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal into the Labour Court.
Significant progress has already been made to date:
•All first instance complaints are now acknowledged and the employer is notified within 48 hours of the complaint being lodged. Prior to the introduction of the Workplace Relations Customer Service in January this process was taking up to eight months in some cases.
• The backlog for Rights Commissioner hearings has been reduced (it took an average of 142 days to schedule a in 2010. Hearings are now scheduled by the LRC within a matter of weeks.)
• A Single Complaint Form replaced 30 existing complaint forms that currently accommodate over 80 specific complaint types across five institutions. 70% of all complainants in February used the new form
Minister Bruton said: "My plan will streamline the existing structures, procedures and mechanisms. My overall objective is to encourage early resolution of disputes, the vindication of employee rights and minimisation of the costs for employees, employers and Government, in terms of money, time and workplace productivity
"Robust criteria and an open and transparent appointments process will ensure that those appointed are of the highest calibre and have the necessary competencies and experience.
"I wish to thank all those who have contributed to the process so far, in particular those who have worked so hard to deliver the progress achieved, including Ger Deering and his team in the Project Office, my officials and the Chief Officers and staff members of the five employment bodies."
The legislation will establish new institutional employment rights and industrial relations structures.
A Workplace Relations Commission will bring together the existing services of the Equality Tribunal, the National Employment Rights Authority, the Labour Relations Commission and the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal, while all appeals will be heard by a single appeals body formed by integrating the appellate functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal into the Labour Court.
Significant progress has already been made to date:
•All first instance complaints are now acknowledged and the employer is notified within 48 hours of the complaint being lodged. Prior to the introduction of the Workplace Relations Customer Service in January this process was taking up to eight months in some cases.
• The backlog for Rights Commissioner hearings has been reduced (it took an average of 142 days to schedule a in 2010. Hearings are now scheduled by the LRC within a matter of weeks.)
• A Single Complaint Form replaced 30 existing complaint forms that currently accommodate over 80 specific complaint types across five institutions. 70% of all complainants in February used the new form
Minister Bruton said: "My plan will streamline the existing structures, procedures and mechanisms. My overall objective is to encourage early resolution of disputes, the vindication of employee rights and minimisation of the costs for employees, employers and Government, in terms of money, time and workplace productivity
"Robust criteria and an open and transparent appointments process will ensure that those appointed are of the highest calibre and have the necessary competencies and experience.
"I wish to thank all those who have contributed to the process so far, in particular those who have worked so hard to deliver the progress achieved, including Ger Deering and his team in the Project Office, my officials and the Chief Officers and staff members of the five employment bodies."
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 December 2003
Irish employers anticipate improvement in hiring activity
Irish employment confidence is showing signs of recovery, according to results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. For the quarter January to March 2003, the Net Employment Outlook is 3%, which is a modest recovery of 7% points from the previous quarter’s pessimistic outlook.
Irish employers anticipate improvement in hiring activity
Irish employment confidence is showing signs of recovery, according to results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. For the quarter January to March 2003, the Net Employment Outlook is 3%, which is a modest recovery of 7% points from the previous quarter’s pessimistic outlook.
18 December 2018
Series Of Labour Relations Agency Workshops In NI
The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) has announced a series of seminars and workshops across Northern Ireland throughout January and March, 2019. The free employer events programme will be presented by experienced advisory officers and aim to assist businesses in dealing with the many employment issues that impact on the workplace.
Series Of Labour Relations Agency Workshops In NI
The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) has announced a series of seminars and workshops across Northern Ireland throughout January and March, 2019. The free employer events programme will be presented by experienced advisory officers and aim to assist businesses in dealing with the many employment issues that impact on the workplace.
06 July 2006
Survey reveals employment relations climate improving
The employment relations climate is improving, according to the latest survey. The 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey found "significant changes" in the workplace since the last survey was conducted in 1998. The report found that fewer workplaces were reporting grievances.
Survey reveals employment relations climate improving
The employment relations climate is improving, according to the latest survey. The 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey found "significant changes" in the workplace since the last survey was conducted in 1998. The report found that fewer workplaces were reporting grievances.
27 October 2017
Model Workplace Policy Launched
Everyone has a right to equality of opportunity in employment and the right to work in a harmonious and inclusive environment and atmosphere in which all workers are encouraged to apply their diverse talents and in which no worker feels under threat or experiences intimidation.
Model Workplace Policy Launched
Everyone has a right to equality of opportunity in employment and the right to work in a harmonious and inclusive environment and atmosphere in which all workers are encouraged to apply their diverse talents and in which no worker feels under threat or experiences intimidation.
02 December 2003
'No surprises' employment relations Bill unveiled
A bill that would encourage employers and employees to work together and promote a "no surprises culture" at work was introduced in the House of Commons today.
'No surprises' employment relations Bill unveiled
A bill that would encourage employers and employees to work together and promote a "no surprises culture" at work was introduced in the House of Commons today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
