New guidance to help improve industrial relations

Two revised codes, designed to promote improved industrial relations, have been published by the Department for Employment and Learning.

The codes, published this week, will do this by providing examples of good practice and giving useful guidance and information on statutory requirements. They came into effect on 19 March 2006.

The Code on Industrial Action Ballots and Notice to Employers provides practical guidance to trade unions and employers on promoting good practice in the conduct of trade union industrial action ballots.

The Code on Access and Unfair Practices during Recognition and De-Recognition Ballots provides guidance on both the employer’s duty to provide reasonable access for unions during the period of ballots and the requirement on both the union and the employer not to commit unfair practices during the same period.

The revised Codes were developed following consultation involving trade unions, businesses and their representatives and other key stakeholders.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, (the 2004 Order), which is mainly concerned with collective labour law and trade union rights, received Royal Assent on 17 November 2004. The revised Codes incorporate changes introduced through the 2004 Order. The Codes were laid before the Assembly on 16 March 2006 and will come into operation on 19 March 2006.
  2. The Codes and the consultation exercises which informed their development are available on the Department for Employment and Learning website at http://www.delni.gov.uk. external link
  3. Printed copies of the Statutory Rules which bring the Codes into operation may be purchased from The Stationery Office, Arthur Street, Belfast.
  4. Printed copies of the revised Codes of Practice may be obtained from Department for Employment and Learning, Employment Rights Branch, Adelaide House, 39/49 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8FD. Tel: 028 9025 7580.
  5. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7790.