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  • Minister announces consultation on Good Jobs and improving workers’ rights

    Topics:
    • Work-Life Balance

    Date published: 1 July 2024

    Economy Minister Conor Murphy today launched a consultation on proposals to strengthen employment rights legislation which will help deliver his good jobs agenda.

    Economy Minister Conor Murphy
    Economy Minister Conor Murphy

    One of the key objectives in the Department’s economic vision is to increase the number of working age people in Good Jobs. The consultation covers a wide range of possible enhancements to employment legislation aimed at modernising our rights framework.

    The consultation seeks views on four aspects of a Good Job, as defined by the Carnegie Framework: terms of employment; pay and benefits; voice and representation; and promote a healthy work-life balance.

    Minister Murphy said:

    “Modernising our employment law framework is one of my key priorities. I want to take views on a range of issues, including how to tackle zero hours contracts; ensure that tips left to workers are passed on to them in full; make it easier for trade unions to organise; and promote a healthy work-life balance so that workers can manage their work and family lives.”

    The Minister concluded:

    “This is an ambitious programme of work. I will continue to consult with business and trade union representatives to design a framework that operates effectively for businesses, for workers and for our economy. I encourage everyone to respond to the consultation.”

    The consultation will be open for 13 weeks from 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024. The consultation papers are available on the Department’s website at The 'Good Jobs' Employment Rights Bill.

    Notes to editors:

    1. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk 
    2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
    3. To keep up to date with news from the Department for the Economy you can follow us on the following social media channels:
    • X – @Economy_NI
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