Northern Ireland Set for Major Employment Law Overhaul

The Department for the Economy has announced plans for the most significant reform of Northern Ireland’s employment legislation in over 25 years, following the consultation on the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill.
On 28 April 2025, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald outlined proposals for an Employment Bill, supported by secondary legislation, statutory codes of practice, and updated guidance. The proposals, which will now be submitted to the Executive, aim to modernise workplace protections and bring Northern Ireland in line with employment developments across the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Minister Archibald stated:
“Everyone benefits from Good Jobs. Workers and families benefit from a decent wage. Employers benefit from a larger, more productive workforce. And the public finances will benefit from greater prosperity and a reduction in poverty.”
The Minister added:
“This is an ambitious package of reforms to employment law which will see the biggest upgrade of our employment legislation since the Good Friday Agreement.”
The proposed reforms are grouped under four themes:
1. Terms of Employment
2. Pay and Benefits
3. Voice and Representation
4. Work-Life Balance
The key proposals include:
• Ending exploitative zero-hour contracts through the introduction of banded hours, advance shift notices and compensation for late cancellations
• Abolishing exclusivity clauses for low-paid workers
• Tackling ‘fire and rehire’ practices, making it automatically unfair to dismiss an employee to impose new terms without agreement.
• Ensuring full tips are passed on to workers, supported by a statutory code of practice on fairness and transparency.
• Strengthening protections for agency workers, including clearer assignment terms and the removal of the “Swedish derogation”.
• Enhancing family-related rights with the introduction of carer’s leave, neonatal leave and associated pay.
• Stronger trade union rights, including better workplace access and the introduction of secure e-balloting.
While no immediate changes will occur, the Minister has written to the Executive to seek formal endorsement. The proposals will be on the Executive Agenda and need cross-party support.
The Department has indicated that a draft bill is expected by January 2026, with the aim of enacting the legislation before the end of the current Assembly mandate in 2027.
The Employment Team at O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors can provide expert advice to any employers seeking guidance. Please do not hesitate to contact the Team on 02890321000