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Bill to resolve workplace disputes reaches second stage

21 June 2010

New industrial dispute and employee rights legislation has passed its second stage today in the Assembly.

The Employment (No. 2) Bill, which repeals the current statutory grievance procedures, strengthens the enforcement of industrial and fair employment tribunal awards and grants employees the right to request time off for training.

The Bill, which was introduced by Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey on 7 June, will enable the following:

  • repeal the current statutory grievance procedures,
  • reduce the legal process that allows awards made by industrial tribunals and fair employment tribunals to be enforceable,
  • grant employees the right to request time off for training.

Speaking after the second reading of the Bill, the Minister said: “Many people know someone who has faced a serious dispute at work.  Thankfully, fewer are personally acquainted with the psychological and financial tolls that such situations can unfortunately exact on all those involved.  Disputes, of varying degrees of seriousness are, however, inevitable from time to time.  Their outcomes, on the other hand, are not.

“This Bill is the culmination of a comprehensive review of the dispute resolution process in Northern Ireland which has been carried out by my Department over the past two years.  This review has revealed a strong desire to see disputes resolved at an earlier stage, close to their original source in the workplace, thereby averting more serious confrontation and, potentially, legal action. The review also highlighted the need for alternatives to legal action without calling into question the absolute right of those who wish to do so to take their case to a tribunal.

“I have been encouraged by the very constructive engagement that has taken place during this review.  I feel that this has been instrumental in bringing together a balanced package of proposals that is more reflective of local circumstances.  I now intend to take forward these policy proposals over the coming months and this Bill represents a significant part of that process.”

It is intended that the Bill will complete remaining Assembly stages by the end of the year.

Note to editors:

  1. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch, on 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.