A wide-ranging consultation process on proposed changes to employment law in Northern Ireland has been launched as Economy Minister Conor Murphy signalled his intention to adopt a range of measures introduced by the Irish government in recent years. Photograph: David Young/PA Wire
He said the consultation would feed into “good jobs” legislation he hopes the Assembly will pass during the in 2½ years remaining before the next scheduled elections. The British Labour Party has, however, committed to bringing in legislation to grant workers additional rights in the event it wins this week’s general election.
“Tackling zero-hours contracts, protection for agency workers, proper holiday pay, the right to disconnect, better trade union representation, more flexible work and better leave entitlements for carers and parents whose newborns are in neonatal car ... these changes and others included in the consultation document will benefit workers, businesses and society as a whole.