The Executive’s legislative programme for 2025–26 was outlined in the Assembly this week by the Deputy First Minister, setting out a wide range of departmental priorities for the year ahead. One of the key announcements was confirmation that the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill will be brought forward by the Department for the Economy early in the new year.
The ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Bill Overview
The proposed Bill is designed to strengthen workers’ rights and modernise employment law in Northern Ireland. It focuses on addressing precarious working conditions and supporting fair treatment across the workforce.
Timeline
13 October 2025: Executive legislative programme outlined in the Assembly.
January 2026: Economy Minister to introduce the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill.
Throughout 2026: Committee scrutiny and Assembly stages to follow.
Four Key Themes
The legislation will be structured around four key areas:
Terms of Employment
Pay and Benefits
Voice and Representation
Work-Life Balance
Issues the Bill Will Cover
Measures within the Bill are expected to include:
Allowing workers on zero-hours contracts to move to banded-hours contracts.
Tackling fire-and-rehire practices.
Ensuring tips are passed on in full to workers.
Establishing a right to disconnect from work-related demands.
Expanding trade union membership rights and strengthening collective bargaining.
Providing enhanced leave entitlements for carers.
Introducing neonatal pay and leave for parents of newborn children.
Next Steps
The Bill is expected to be introduced to the Assembly in January, with scrutiny to take place during 2026.