Small businesses exempt from union workplace access under Good Jobs Bill change

Micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people will be exempt from proposed new trade union workplace access rules after Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald announced a significant change to the Good Jobs Bill following pressure and engagement from businesses and trade unions.

The move marks one of the first major revisions to the flagship employment rights legislation as it moves closer to Assembly scrutiny, with the Minister signalling a willingness to alter proposals in response to concerns raised by employers.

Under the original proposal, trade unions would have gained a new legal right to request access to all workplaces across Northern Ireland.

However, the Department for the Economy has now confirmed that businesses with fewer than 10 employees will be excluded from that requirement.

The exemption is likely to be closely watched by small independent firms across Ballymena and wider Northern Ireland, where many local retailers, cafés, trades businesses and family-run companies fall within the micro-business category.

Minister says change follows direct business engagement

Announcing the update, Minister Archibald said the amendment came directly from discussions with stakeholders during ongoing consultation around the legislation.

“In taking forward this transformational piece of legislation I have always been clear that I will listen to everyone with a genuine interest in delivering more Good Jobs,” she said.

“What I’m announcing today is a direct response to the conversations I am continuing to have with employer representatives, trade unions and others.”

The Good Jobs Bill is one of the most significant overhauls of employment law proposed in Northern Ireland in decades and includes measures affecting workplace rights, family leave, flexible working and employment protections.

The legislation has drawn strong interest from both trade unions and business organisations, with supporters arguing it will strengthen fairness and worker protections, while critics have raised concerns around additional pressure on employers and smaller firms.

Balancing worker protections and business pressures

The latest change appears aimed at easing concerns among small employers who feared mandatory union access provisions could place additional burdens on businesses with limited staffing and resources.

Many micro-businesses across Mid and East Antrim operate with small teams and tight margins, particularly in hospitality, retail and service sectors already facing rising costs and recruitment pressures.

At the same time, the wider Good Jobs Bill continues to propose significant new workplace rights, including:

• Rights for zero-hours workers to move onto banded-hours contracts

• Neonatal leave and pay

• New unpaid carer’s leave entitlements

• Reforms to paternity leave

• Stronger redundancy protections for pregnant employees and parents returning from leave

• Full protection of tips and service charges for workers

Minister Archibald stressed the legislation would continue to evolve as it moves through the Assembly process.

“This is about getting the balance right - supporting strong worker voice and fair workplaces, while ensuring businesses can continue to succeed,” she said.

“It is now time for the Bill to move to the floor of the Assembly for detailed scrutiny. Ultimately, this landmark legislation is about creating the right conditions for more good jobs that provide security, fair pay and opportunity for all.”

Assembly scrutiny now looming

The updated proposals will now move toward detailed examination at Stormont, where MLAs are expected to debate both the economic impact on businesses and the potential benefits for workers and families.

Further amendments could still emerge during the scrutiny process as political parties, trade unions and employer groups continue lobbying over the final shape of the legislation.

For many local employers and workers alike, the coming months could determine some of the most significant workplace rule changes Northern Ireland has seen in a generation.