Families, carers and zero-hours workers set for major rights boost under new NI jobs law

Northern Ireland Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has outlined sweeping employment reforms which could significantly change workplace rights for thousands of workers and families across Northern Ireland.

The proposed Good Jobs Bill includes new protections for pregnant employees, rights for zero-hours workers to secure more stable contracts, neonatal leave and pay for parents of sick babies, and new unpaid leave for carers.

The legislation is being described by the Department for the Economy as the biggest overhaul of employment rights in a generation, with ministers arguing the changes are designed to create fairer and more secure workplaces while balancing the needs of employers.

The measures were discussed during a stakeholder meeting at Parliament Buildings attended by representatives from the community and voluntary sector, including organisations supporting premature and sick babies, carers, women, ethnic minorities, young people and older people.

Major changes planned for workers and families

Among the most significant proposals is a new right allowing zero-hours workers to move onto banded-hours contracts, giving employees more predictable working patterns and income security.

However, zero-hours contracts would still remain legal in cases where work is genuinely seasonal or casual, or where flexibility benefits both employer and employee.

Other key proposals within the Good Jobs Bill include:

• A legal requirement for tips, gratuities and service charges to be passed directly to workers in full

• Neonatal care leave and pay for parents of premature or seriously ill babies

• A new entitlement to unpaid carer’s leave

• Reforms to paternity leave

• Stronger redundancy protections for pregnant workers and people returning from family-related leave

The changes could have a wide impact across Northern Ireland’s retail, hospitality, healthcare and service sectors, where flexible contracts and shift-based working are common.

For many families locally, particularly those dealing with caring responsibilities or the stress of neonatal hospital care, the proposed rights could provide additional financial and emotional support during some of the most difficult periods of family life.

Minister says reforms are about fairness and stability

Minister Archibald said the legislation had been carefully designed to strike a balance between protecting workers and supporting businesses.

“The Good Jobs Bill reflects significant work to deliver a balanced and considered package of measures, representing the most significant reforms in a generation,” she said.

“It introduces progressive changes to strengthen transparency and fairness from the very start of employment.

“Taken together, these measures set out a clear vision for the kind of economy and society we want to build, one that supports families, gives confidence to employers and benefits everyone.”

The Department for the Economy said engagement with business organisations and trade unions will continue later this week as discussions around the legislation progress.

Why the bill matters locally

The proposals come amid growing pressure across the UK and Ireland for stronger workplace protections as the cost of living, childcare pressures and insecure employment continue to affect households.

In areas such as Ballymena and across Mid and East Antrim, where many people work in manufacturing, retail, hospitality, logistics and care sectors, the reforms could directly affect working conditions, family leave arrangements and job security.

The inclusion of neonatal leave and stronger protections for parents and carers is also likely to resonate strongly with families who have experienced premature birth, long-term illness or caring responsibilities while trying to remain in employment.

Further details on how and when the measures could be implemented are expected as engagement with employers, unions and community organisations continues.