Menu
05/04/2011
Workplace Disputes' Measures Streamlined
Workplace dispute resolution is facing a shake-up as the Department for Employment and Learning introduces changes to the way in which such disputes are to be addressed.
The Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and associated secondary legislation has made changes to Dispute Resolution Procedures from 3 April onwards and follows a comprehensive policy review.
Arrangements for dealing with disciplinary and dismissal issues in the workplace are largely unchanged, with the existing statutory processes remaining in place.
However, the statutory dispute resolution requirements relating to workplace grievances have been replaced with a good practice, principles-based model set out in a revised Labour Relations Agency Code of Practice.
The Code explains the steps that employers and employees should take to resolve workplace disputes.
The purpose of the changes is to shift the focus in dealing with grievances away from the technical requirements of a statutory process and onto addressing the substantive issues in dispute.
A subsequent tribunal can take failure to follow the Code into account when determining an award relating to the dispute.
The rules on time limits for lodging tribunal claims have also been simplified, with the limit set at a standard three months in most cases.
Previously, the disciplinary and grievance processes included provisions for extending time in certain circumstances. These provisions have been removed so as to provide greater certainty.
In addition, various measures have been put in place to provide a more efficient and streamlined tribunal service. For instance, a single tribunal will be able to hear all aspects of a case, which includes elements falling within the jurisdiction of both the Fair Employment Tribunal and the Industrial Tribunals.
See: Workplace disputes
(BMcC/GK)
The Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and associated secondary legislation has made changes to Dispute Resolution Procedures from 3 April onwards and follows a comprehensive policy review.
Arrangements for dealing with disciplinary and dismissal issues in the workplace are largely unchanged, with the existing statutory processes remaining in place.
However, the statutory dispute resolution requirements relating to workplace grievances have been replaced with a good practice, principles-based model set out in a revised Labour Relations Agency Code of Practice.
The Code explains the steps that employers and employees should take to resolve workplace disputes.
The purpose of the changes is to shift the focus in dealing with grievances away from the technical requirements of a statutory process and onto addressing the substantive issues in dispute.
A subsequent tribunal can take failure to follow the Code into account when determining an award relating to the dispute.
The rules on time limits for lodging tribunal claims have also been simplified, with the limit set at a standard three months in most cases.
Previously, the disciplinary and grievance processes included provisions for extending time in certain circumstances. These provisions have been removed so as to provide greater certainty.
In addition, various measures have been put in place to provide a more efficient and streamlined tribunal service. For instance, a single tribunal will be able to hear all aspects of a case, which includes elements falling within the jurisdiction of both the Fair Employment Tribunal and the Industrial Tribunals.
See: Workplace disputes
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
15 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
26 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
10 September 2003
Workplace disputes legislation to be debated at Westminster
Draft legislation designed to encourage early resolution of workplace disputes and reduce the need for tribunal cases is shortly to be debated at Westminster, it was revealed today.
Workplace disputes legislation to be debated at Westminster
Draft legislation designed to encourage early resolution of workplace disputes and reduce the need for tribunal cases is shortly to be debated at Westminster, it was revealed today.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
