Menu
13/09/2002
Committee backtracks over 'workers' entitlements
The Committee for Employment and Learning has revealed that they may shelve plans to widen the numbers of people eligible to claim parental employment rights.
Last session, the Committee recommended that the scope of the Bill be widened in the definition of people eligible for such benefits by moving from the term “employee” to “worker”. This emphasis on workers, said the Committee, could mean up to 5% more people would benefit from such provisions as women may be disproportionately represented amongst this group.
It is anticipated that, should the Bill become law, it would provide extended maternity leave, as well as new rights to paternity and adoption leave and pay, and also a right for parents to request flexibility in working hours.
However, the Committee may now move away from that definition as it could conflict with social security legislation.
Dr Esmond Birnie MLA, Chairman of the Assembly Committee for Employment and Learning, said: “A variety of evidence presented to the Committee implied that such a change, whatever its attractiveness or otherwise in principle, would not be practicable at this time. This is partly because previous and parallel Social Security legislation would also require amendment.
He added: "This may be an impossible task in the short time remaining to the life of this assembly. And there are also the difficulties posed by delivering the social benefits to individuals defined as “workers” in relation to National Insurance contributions.
Dr Birnie said that the Committee remains committed to a full investigation of the principles of wider extension of employment rights – to perhaps allow better consideration of the position of agency/temp workers.
“The Committee did agree that it would assist the public understanding of this Bill if it was renamed the 'Parental Employment Rights Act'. Perhaps the Northern Ireland Assembly should depart from the Westminster convention of very short, generic titles and instead use ones which actually give some description of the contents of legislation," he added.
(GMcG)
Last session, the Committee recommended that the scope of the Bill be widened in the definition of people eligible for such benefits by moving from the term “employee” to “worker”. This emphasis on workers, said the Committee, could mean up to 5% more people would benefit from such provisions as women may be disproportionately represented amongst this group.
It is anticipated that, should the Bill become law, it would provide extended maternity leave, as well as new rights to paternity and adoption leave and pay, and also a right for parents to request flexibility in working hours.
However, the Committee may now move away from that definition as it could conflict with social security legislation.
Dr Esmond Birnie MLA, Chairman of the Assembly Committee for Employment and Learning, said: “A variety of evidence presented to the Committee implied that such a change, whatever its attractiveness or otherwise in principle, would not be practicable at this time. This is partly because previous and parallel Social Security legislation would also require amendment.
He added: "This may be an impossible task in the short time remaining to the life of this assembly. And there are also the difficulties posed by delivering the social benefits to individuals defined as “workers” in relation to National Insurance contributions.
Dr Birnie said that the Committee remains committed to a full investigation of the principles of wider extension of employment rights – to perhaps allow better consideration of the position of agency/temp workers.
“The Committee did agree that it would assist the public understanding of this Bill if it was renamed the 'Parental Employment Rights Act'. Perhaps the Northern Ireland Assembly should depart from the Westminster convention of very short, generic titles and instead use ones which actually give some description of the contents of legislation," he added.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
13 October 2003
Conference focuses on employment law
A half-day conference focusing on recent developments in employment law could help reduce the number of small and medium sized companies (SME’s) in the north-west that fall foul of employment legislation.
Conference focuses on employment law
A half-day conference focusing on recent developments in employment law could help reduce the number of small and medium sized companies (SME’s) in the north-west that fall foul of employment legislation.
04 September 2001
Provisional Bill of Rights is unveiled
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published its provisional proposals for what should be contained in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
Provisional Bill of Rights is unveiled
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published its provisional proposals for what should be contained in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
08 June 2005
Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
The future of Human Rights Commissions in the UK and Ireland will be examined at Queen's University Belfast this week. The Human Rights Centre at the Queen's School of Law, in co-operation with the Faculty of Law, University of Bristol, will hold a half-day conference in Belfast on Friday on the role of both Commissions.
Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
The future of Human Rights Commissions in the UK and Ireland will be examined at Queen's University Belfast this week. The Human Rights Centre at the Queen's School of Law, in co-operation with the Faculty of Law, University of Bristol, will hold a half-day conference in Belfast on Friday on the role of both Commissions.
03 July 2003
UN convention on disability welcomed
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has welcomed the decision taken by a United Nations Ad Hoc Committee to proceed with a new policy of the rights of disabled people.
UN convention on disability welcomed
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has welcomed the decision taken by a United Nations Ad Hoc Committee to proceed with a new policy of the rights of disabled people.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
