Exemption to be made in trade union access within Good Jobs Bill
Updates will be made to the NI Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill ahead of it being brought before the Assembly.
The Economy Minister Caoimhe Archbald announced that following ongoing engagement with businesses and trade unions across Northern Ireland, she will update the proposals relating to trade union access in the Bill.
Where the proposal was originally to introduce a new right for trade unions to request access to all workplaces, an exemption will now be included for micro‑businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
“In taking forward this transformational piece of legislation, I have always been clear that I will listen to everyone with a genuine interest in delivering more Good Jobs,” said the Minister.
“What I’m announcing is a direct response to the conversations I am continuing to have with employer representatives, trade unions and others.”
Emphasising that the Good Jobs Bill has been shaped through ongoing consultation and will continue to evolve as it progresses through scrutiny, Minister Archibald added: “This is about getting the balance right – supporting strong worker voice and fair workplaces, while ensuring businesses can continue to succeed.
“It is now time for the Bill to move to the floor of the Assembly for detailed scrutiny. Ultimately, this landmark legislation is about creating the right conditions for more good jobs that provide security, fair pay and opportunity for all.”
