Archibald proposes further progressive addition to landmark Good Jobs Bill
Date published:
Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald has today announced that following ongoing engagement with businesses and trade unions across the north, she will update the proposals relating to trade union access in the Good Jobs 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.
Announcing the update, Minister Archibald said:
“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.
“What I’m announcing today 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.”
Notes to editors:
- 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.
- For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office.
- To keep up to date with news from the Department you can follow us on the following social media channels:
· X – @Economy_NI
· Facebook – @DeptEconomyNI
· Instagram – economy_ni
· LinkedIn – Department for the Economy NI