Employers' Handbook launched by Invest NI

The Employers' Handbook, the first publication on employment law geared specifically for small business, has been launched at Belfast's Waterfront Hall.

The Handbook was produced by Invest NI in co-operation with the Labour Relations Agency (LRA), the Equality Commission and the Health And Safety Executive (HSENI). The Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders, the Northern Ireland Community Addiction Service and the Work Life Balance Campaign also provided data.

The publication was produced following requests for advice received by the then Management Development Team at LEDU, which worked closely with the other agencies to develop the publication.

Leslie Morrison, Invest NI Chief Executive, said that the Handbook had been developed specifically for small companies, which comprise over 90 per cent of businesses in Northern Ireland, who often experience difficulty in keeping up-to-date with new employment legislation.

Speaking at the lunch of the handbook, Mr Morrison said: “Competitive small firms are vital to long-term economic growth. However, they cannot always employ the expertise, nor easily access the knowledge and information they need.

“In addition, employers may perceive legislation as a daunting arena apparently fraught with unmarked pitfalls and dangers.

“I am confident that this Handbook can assist in increasing the competitiveness of local business and that, of course, is one of the key objectives of Invest NI."

Bill Patterson, LRA Chief Executive said: “Taking the first step to becoming an employer can be daunting. This Handbook will make this step easier and help companies develop and maintain good employment relations that are so important for business growth and for our quality of working life.”

Evelyn Collins, Equality Commission Chief Executive, added: “It is a key strategic priority for the Equality Commission to combat discrimination and promote equality for all. This excellent Handbook provides clear and practical guidance on the essentials of good employment practice and the requirements of the law.”

(KMcA)