HR & Employment Law for Northern Ireland - inc Employment Law at 11

Is your organisation fully compliant with legal requirements around neurodiversity? Championing a neuro-inclusive workplace is an increasingly important part of a diverse workforce here in NI. With the NI Civil Service leading the charge with the release of their “Neurodiversity: NICS Line Manager’s Toolkit”, neurodiversity is never far from the HR headlines.

In this edition of Employment Law at 11 regulars Christine Quinn of Legal Island and Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart unpack the legal obligations and best practices for supporting neurodivergent employees.

Seamus explores:

• What are the legal rights of neurodivergent employees under NI employment law?
• How can employers meet their duty to provide reasonable adjustments?
• What are the legal risks of failing to accommodate neurodiversity in the workplace?

With a new Labour government in GB, the ‘Good Jobs’ consultation in NI and recent changes in ROI we’re all playing catch up on the divergence of laws between the neighbouring jurisdictions.

Emma Grossmith, Managing Associate, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP and Catherine Hayes, Managing Associate, Lewis Silkin LLP ROI discuss recent, and upcoming, changes to:

1. Zero-hours contracts
2. Family rights
3. Domestic abuse

DEI expert Conor Curran, draws breath after the general and local election results to consider (DEI) manifesto promises. With a focus on workplace diversity & employment / equality law. This webinar provides some insight as to what changes to working practices employers in NI might expect in the future. The question is: when?

As HR professionals, safeguarding the well-being of our employees is a paramount responsibility. Unfortunately, domestic abuse is an issue that affects many, and its repercussions often extend into the workplace, impacting productivity, morale, and overall health. The PSNI recorded over 33000 domestic abuse incidents last year, an increase on the previous 12 months. It is essential HR makes a positive impact by fostering a supportive workplace culture.

In this special edition of Employment Law at 11, Seamus McGranaghan from O’Reilly Stewart and Lindsay Harris from ONUS joined Julie Holmes from Legal Island to discuss this topic. Lindsay sets out the practicalities and Seamus provides his legal insights to help you:

• Identify the subtle indicators that a colleague may be experiencing domestic abuse.
• Gain practical strategies to support employees dealing with domestic abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being at work.
• Understand how to create a compassionate workplace environment that prioritises the mental and physical health of all employees, while staying within the law.
• Our expert speakers provide guidance to help you handle these sensitive situations with empathy and effectiveness.

Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart solicitors and Legal Island’s Christine Quinn welcome special guest Mark McAllister, incoming Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Agency, for an Employment Law at 11 special.

The NI Assembly is back, and rumours abound about what’s in store in employment law in the coming 18 months – and forewarned is forearmed!

Mark cuts through the rumours and gives insights on what to expect from Stormont. As always, Seamus offers his expert legal opinion on what steps you can take now to make sure your organisation is ready, come what may.

Please note that the employment law matters discussed in this webinar apply primarily to Northern Ireland.

Industry experts Ryan Calvert and Rebekah Mulligan from MCS, alongside Julie Holmes from Legal Island, explore the latest recruitment trends – and the path to building diverse, inclusive teams. While diversity is pivotal, it's just the beginning of the journey towards true inclusivity. Learn how to kickstart this journey by establishing a robust talent pipeline, then go further by fostering a positive workplace culture that embraces everyone. We'll equip you with strategies tailored for organisations of all sizes, empowering you to create inclusive dream teams that thrive. Get ready to be inspired by real-world examples that will fuel your drive to lead change and transform your workplace into a vibrant, inclusive environment.

In this insightful free webinar, delivered by the new CEO of included, Michelle Sequira, we’ll be examining the pressing DEI challenges of 2024 and sharing the latest advice and guidance on actionable strategies to overcome them.
 
"Beyond Barriers: Top DEI Challenges in 2024 and How to Solve Them," is designed for business leaders, HR professionals, and DEI advocates who are committed to creating more inclusive environments.
 
Michelle will be tackling these core issues :
 
Emerging Trends: What new DEI challenges are on the horizon as workplaces become increasingly more diverse and digital?
Barrier Breakdown: Identifying systemic barriers that persist in organisations and innovative approaches to dismantle them.
Actionable Solutions: Practical steps and best practices to enhance inclusivity and equity at every level of your organisation.
Case Studies: Insights from leading companies that have successfully navigated complex DEI challenges.

May's topic is Harassment in the Workplace

“We need a shift in culture so that every single instance of sexual harassment is investigated and dealt with.” Tarana Burke, #MeToo founder

So says the introduction of the new guidance “Eliminating Sexual Harassment from the Modern Workplace” produced by the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. 

Christine and Seamus will hear from Claire Webb of the Labour Relations Agency in what is sure to be an engaging discussion. Claire assisted in drafting the new guidance released just last month, so we’ll be hearing direct from her on its impact and implications. Join us and get up to date on the new guidance, best practice and what you can do to ensure your staff’s safety and reduce the risks to your organisation of costly claims.

Please note that the employment law matters discussed in this webinar apply primarily to Northern Ireland.  

Christine and Seamus discuss your employment law queries live in our webinar series, “Employment Law at 11”. This month it's an NI Case Law Special. Seamus and Christine will unpack the lessons to be learnt from 3 recent NI cases:

1. Watson v Police Service of Northern Ireland [2024] - failure to disclose information during the recruitment process.
2. Bond v Chief Constable of the PSNI [2023] - sex discrimination claim.
3. Rainey v Mid & East Antrim Borough Council [2023] - unfair dismissal and protected disclosures.

Christine Quinn, Legal Island and Seamus McGranaghan, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors, are BACK to discuss your employment law queries live in our webinar series, “Employment Law at 11”. This month they discuss:

Equality Matters Special

1. Neurodiversity in the workplace

Recent CIPD research shows that 1 in 5 neurodivergent employees have experienced harassment or discrimination at work, and only half say they would feel safe to talk about neurodiversity in their organisation. And case law is stacking up, demonstrating the importance of getting it right with your employees who are not neurotypical. Seamus takes you through best practice, and recent cases that need to be on your radar.

2. Menopause and the workplace

8th March is International Women’s Day and we’re talking about something that will happen to all women one day – menopause. Women make up nearly 50% of the working population in Northern Ireland and with the change in pension age, it's likely that more women will be working later into life. So, employers need to consider how they can support women in the workplace, so they can hold on to their experienced staff members. Seamus talks you through the guidance, best practice and caselaw to be aware of.

Please note that the employment law matters discussed in this webinar apply primarily to Northern Ireland.