14/04/2014
New Parental Leave Plans Launched
Plans have been announced to introduce new rights that will enable leave and pay entitlement to be shared between couples following the birth or adoption of a child.
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry announced the plans today (14 April).
"Northern Ireland is the only region of the UK where employment law is devolved," he said. "We therefore have the opportunity to develop an employment law system that works in the interests of people and business, helps our economy to grow, attracts investment, encourages companies to recruit new staff and at the same time provides sufficient protection for the rights of employees.
"We can create a local modern, efficient and integrated employment relations system where economic competitiveness and workers' rights are balanced."
The new system will allow eligible working families to choose to be at home together or to work at different times. The plans also include a wide extension of the right to request flexible working.
"I am committed to striking the right balance between the needs of employees and those of businesses," Dr Farry said. "I strongly believe that we can all benefit from a more flexible workforce that is better able to retain talented people who need to balance commitments at home and at work.
"The policy proposals that I am publishing today are an important step to embedding greater flexibility while at the same time allowing businesses to have open discussions with their employees and to plan ahead."
(IT/JP)
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry announced the plans today (14 April).
"Northern Ireland is the only region of the UK where employment law is devolved," he said. "We therefore have the opportunity to develop an employment law system that works in the interests of people and business, helps our economy to grow, attracts investment, encourages companies to recruit new staff and at the same time provides sufficient protection for the rights of employees.
"We can create a local modern, efficient and integrated employment relations system where economic competitiveness and workers' rights are balanced."
The new system will allow eligible working families to choose to be at home together or to work at different times. The plans also include a wide extension of the right to request flexible working.
"I am committed to striking the right balance between the needs of employees and those of businesses," Dr Farry said. "I strongly believe that we can all benefit from a more flexible workforce that is better able to retain talented people who need to balance commitments at home and at work.
"The policy proposals that I am publishing today are an important step to embedding greater flexibility while at the same time allowing businesses to have open discussions with their employees and to plan ahead."
(IT/JP)
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13 October 2003
Conference focuses on employment law
A half-day conference focusing on recent developments in employment law could help reduce the number of small and medium sized companies (SME’s) in the north-west that fall foul of employment legislation.
Conference focuses on employment law
A half-day conference focusing on recent developments in employment law could help reduce the number of small and medium sized companies (SME’s) in the north-west that fall foul of employment legislation.
08 June 2005
Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
The future of Human Rights Commissions in the UK and Ireland will be examined at Queen's University Belfast this week. The Human Rights Centre at the Queen's School of Law, in co-operation with the Faculty of Law, University of Bristol, will hold a half-day conference in Belfast on Friday on the role of both Commissions.
Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
The future of Human Rights Commissions in the UK and Ireland will be examined at Queen's University Belfast this week. The Human Rights Centre at the Queen's School of Law, in co-operation with the Faculty of Law, University of Bristol, will hold a half-day conference in Belfast on Friday on the role of both Commissions.
04 September 2001
Provisional Bill of Rights is unveiled
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published its provisional proposals for what should be contained in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
Provisional Bill of Rights is unveiled
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published its provisional proposals for what should be contained in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
20 October 2005
Human rights central to citizenship - Minister
Human rights are central to citizenship and have an important role to play in moving Northern Ireland towards an equal, just and peaceful future. That was the message from Education Minister, Angela Smith, at today's cross-border conference on Human Rights Education in Dublin.
Human rights central to citizenship - Minister
Human rights are central to citizenship and have an important role to play in moving Northern Ireland towards an equal, just and peaceful future. That was the message from Education Minister, Angela Smith, at today's cross-border conference on Human Rights Education in Dublin.
13 June 2002
FSB express concern over Employment Bill
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the positive aspects of the recent Employment Bill, but expressed concern on how it will affect the Small Business Community in Northern Ireland. The statement followed a meeting between an FSB delegation and the assembly's employment and learning committee.
FSB express concern over Employment Bill
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the positive aspects of the recent Employment Bill, but expressed concern on how it will affect the Small Business Community in Northern Ireland. The statement followed a meeting between an FSB delegation and the assembly's employment and learning committee.
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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.