18 June 2026
Northern Ireland’s Good Jobs Bill moves to Assembly scrutiny stage
Northern Ireland’s Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill, described by the Department for the Economy as the most significant reform of local employment law in over two decades, is moving to the floor of the Assembly for detailed scrutiny. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald confirmed the next stage alongside an update to the Bill’s proposals on trade union access to workplaces.
Following ongoing engagement with employers and trade unions, the original proposal for a new right for trade unions to request access to all workplaces will now include an exemption for micro-businesses with fewer than ten employees. The Minister framed the change as striking a balance between supporting strong worker voice and fair workplaces while ensuring businesses can continue to succeed.
‘Good Jobs’ is one of four guiding priorities of the Economic Vision, alongside productivity, decarbonisation and regional balance. It is intended to create the conditions for more jobs offering security, fair pay and genuine opportunity, and is expected to continue to evolve as it progresses through Assembly scrutiny.
Job quality is increasingly central to guidance practice. Clients are weighing not just whether work is available, but whether it offers security, fair pay, flexibility and progression. The legislation also speaks directly to the value the profession places on helping people move towards sustainable, fulfilling work rather than simply any work.
CDI members may wish to follow the Bill’s passage, as changes to employment rights will shape the labour market context in which they advise. It is also a useful reference point when discussing workers’ rights, contractual security and what ‘a good job’ really means with clients at different stages of their careers.
Read more about the Good Jobs Bill.
Following ongoing engagement with employers and trade unions, the original proposal for a new right for trade unions to request access to all workplaces will now include an exemption for micro-businesses with fewer than ten employees. The Minister framed the change as striking a balance between supporting strong worker voice and fair workplaces while ensuring businesses can continue to succeed.
‘Good Jobs’ is one of four guiding priorities of the Economic Vision, alongside productivity, decarbonisation and regional balance. It is intended to create the conditions for more jobs offering security, fair pay and genuine opportunity, and is expected to continue to evolve as it progresses through Assembly scrutiny.
Job quality is increasingly central to guidance practice. Clients are weighing not just whether work is available, but whether it offers security, fair pay, flexibility and progression. The legislation also speaks directly to the value the profession places on helping people move towards sustainable, fulfilling work rather than simply any work.
CDI members may wish to follow the Bill’s passage, as changes to employment rights will shape the labour market context in which they advise. It is also a useful reference point when discussing workers’ rights, contractual security and what ‘a good job’ really means with clients at different stages of their careers.
Read more about the Good Jobs Bill.
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