Minister for Economy's Statement on Good Jobs Bill - Strengthening Workers' Rights in Northern Ireland

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured at Parliament Buildings with the Department's independent expert on Good Jobs, Dr Lisa Wilson from the Nevin Economic Research Institute.

On 28 April 2025, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald described the new Employment Bill as the most significant expansion of workers’ rights since the Good Friday Agreement. Aimed at promoting secure, fair, and flexible work, the Bill is expected to become law within two years and will be supported by secondary legislation, statutory Codes of Practice, and guidance. 

Employment Solicitor Marie-Claire Logue looks at some of the key themes and plans:

1. Terms of Employment
Zero hours contracts will be limited to genuinely casual or seasonal roles. Workers will gain the right to banded hours contracts based on average hours, shift notice, and compensation for last-minute cancellations. All workers—not just employees—will receive written terms of employment from day one. The Bill also restricts ‘fire and rehire’ practices and abolishes unequal pay for agency workers under the “Swedish derogation.”

2. Pay and Benefits
A Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect will help manage work-life boundaries. Workers will receive 100% of tips and detailed payslips, including hours worked. The holiday pay calculation period will increase from 12 to 52 weeks to ensure fairer entitlements. Employers will receive new guidance on timekeeping responsibilities.

3. Voice and Representation
Trade union recognition thresholds will drop from 21 to 10 employees. Unions will gain statutory access to workplaces and be allowed to use electronic balloting. Protections for workers in official industrial action will be strengthened, and consultation rights extended to more employees through a reduced threshold.

4. Work-Life Balance
Flexible working will become a Day One right with up to two requests per year. Carers will be entitled to one week of unpaid leave annually, with future plans for paid leave. The Bill introduces up to 12 weeks of paid neonatal leave and enhanced, more flexible paternity leave. Redundancy protections for new parents will also be expanded.

For further employment advice, either as an employee or employer, please feel free to contact Marie-Claire Logue.