A COMPREHENSIVE review of employment law is under way by the Northern Ireland Executive.
The 16-week consultation seeks views on a range of policy proposals designed to improve the handling of employment disputes and reduce unnecessary regulation on business, whilst preserving employees’ entitlements.
Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry said: “Historically, we have sought to mirror Great Britain with respect to employment law matters.
However, where it is in the best interests of Northern Ireland, I am committed to developing local solutions that meet our community’s specific needs. That is why I have secured the Executive’s agreement to launch the most significant public consultation on employment law policy since the establishment of the current Assembly.
“I want the review to inform recommendations designed to stimulate business confidence whilst maintaining the rights of individual employees. Getting the right balance will always be challenging and will require partnership and a degree of flexibility if we are to create an employment relations system that enhances competitiveness and also offers employees the right working environment.”
The consultation explores options for extending the Labour Relations Agency’s dispute resolution services and considers a range of employment law reforms relating to unfair dismissal, collective redundancy consultation, compromise agreements and public interest disclosure.
The minister concluded: “The review will be guided by better regulation principles, and has the ultimate objective of strengthening Northern Ireland’s reputation as a good place to work and to do business. I encourage all stakeholders to engage in this vital consultation process.”
Meanwhile, in today’s NI Jobfinder, Northern Irish jobseekers are being encouraged to consider a teaching career in Aberdeen.
Aberdeen City Council is appealing for primary and secondary teachers, and also for secondary teachers to work in the upper stages of primary schools as Transition teachers.
Seeking enthusiastic candidates a spokesperson said: “Our schools positively embrace Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). CfE is Scotland’s enriched 3-18 framework helping learners to achieve and attain excellence. It allows teachers to do what they do best — decide what and how to teach to meet the needs of all learners.
“We are about to launch a new Learning and Teaching policy and also have the effective support of Curriculum and Quality Improvement Officer teams who promote improvement and innovation in education.
“Recognising the value of initial teacher training in Northern Ireland, we are keen to hear from those with the right attributes and skills to maintain the energy in our exciting education system.”
Positions are available on a full or part-time basis, permanent or fixed term and all qualify for relocation expenses.