Labour Relations Agency - Official | Improving employment relations in Northern Ireland
Source: http://www.lra.org.uk
Archived: 2026-04-23 14:52
Labour Relations Agency - Official | Improving employment relations in Northern Ireland
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Improving employment relations in Northern Ireland
Holiday pay and leave
Let's Talk About Pay - conference
Flexible Futures 2024
Events - How to Register - Demo Video
Redundancy pay
Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay - April 2026
There are changes in relation to parental bereavement leave and pay from 6 April 2026. This page provides the latest information, updates and the resources we have developed to help understand and implement the changes.
Learn more
Pay Rates at a glance - April 2026 - 2027
Each April sees the increase to the National Living and Minimum Wage rates, and other statutory rates of pay
The tables below show the current rates applicable for the above, and the revised rates which will apply from April 2026.
If you have any queries regarding these matters, please feel free to contact our
Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300
Learn more
This Thing Called Work - Celebrating 50 years of the LRA with former Chair Jim McCusker
This second episode in our 'This Thing Called Work' series sees former Chair of the LRA, Jim McCusker join our Chief Executive Mark McAllister to look back at the history of the organisation and labour relations in Northern Ireland, as well as Jim's time as Chair.
Learn more
Early Conciliation
The Labour Relations Agency provides an Early Conciliation service to employees, employers, or their representatives, who are involved in a dispute at work which might lead to a claim being taken to the Industrial or Fair Employment Tribunal.
Learn more
The 'Good Jobs' Employment Rights Bill
The proposals for an Employment Bill outlined by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald on 28 April 2025 will result in the most significant upgrade of employment legislation in 25 years.
Find out more
Latest News
See all news
Labour Relations Agency welcomes extension of Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay
09 April 2026
The Labour Relations Agency has welcomed new legislation extending statutory Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay to include miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, describing it as a significant step forward in supporting employees and strengthening workplace relations.
Learn more
- Labour Relations Agency welcomes extension of Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay
Pay Rates 2026 - 2027
01 April 2026
NI Leading the Way - Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay to Include Miscarriage
24 March 2026
Upcoming events
View all events
There are currently no events available.
Popular tools and resources
View all tools and resources
Holidays and Holiday Pay
19 December 2025
Information Note
The following information sets out the legal minimum requirements relating to holiday leave and pay. Note that an employer may offer more leave than the statutory 5.6 weeks minimum entitlement and any arrangements/payment relating to leave which, is in excess of the minimum entitlement, is a matter for agreement between the employer and worker.
Last modified:
02 April 2026
The Value of Trade Unions - Podcast
12 April 2024
Podcast
In the 7th Podcast in our “Challenging Workplaces” series, we discuss the value of trade unions in the workplace.
Last modified:
03 February 2025
Four Day Working Week Podcast
29 June 2023
Four day working week
Podcast
In the fourth podcast in the "Challenging Workplaces" series, we discuss the four day week, and whether it might be time to reassess the traditional Monday to Friday working pattern in the modern workplace.
Last modified:
05 February 2025
Employment Document Toolkit - How to Register - Demo Video
19 May 2022
Toolkit
This video provides step by step instructions on how to sign up to our new, free, online employment document toolkit.
Last modified:
29 May 2025
About the Labour Relations Agency
Staff are direct employees of the Agency. They receive continuous training and development on changes in employment legislation and employment relations practice and procedures. Most staff members are based in the Agency’s Head Office in Belfast, with a small team in the Agency’s Regional Office in Derry/Londonderry.
The Agency's staff deliver services face to face, over the phone and via email. We regularly deal with customers who are under stress and our staff are skilled in providing professional and knowledgeable support in those circumstances. However, we do not accept abuse, shouting or foul language directed at our colleagues and we reserve the right to end an interaction if it becomes intimidating or abusive. We are happy to pick up the interaction again at a later date.
Find out more about us
We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience.
We also use analytics & advertising services. To opt-out click for more information.
Starting out
Who is an employee
Types of employee
Agency worker
Apprenticeship
Young worker
Posted worker
Piece worker
Contractor versus Employee versus Worker
Volunteers
Hiring
Preparing for the hiring process
Describing the job
Advertising the job
Job applications
Interviews
Selecting and appointing
Tests and checks
Induction
Discrimination when hiring
Hiring young people
Contracts of employment
Contracts of employment explained
Types of contracts
Details a written statement must contain
Restraint of Trade
Probationary periods
Trade unions
Collective bargaining
Industrial action
Time off for trade union duties and activities
Safety Committee/Representatives
Rights and responsibilities
Qualifying periods
Working Time Regulations
Right to work in Northern Ireland
Employee engagement
Hours and pay
Wage/Pay Rates (quick overview)
Pay and wages
Minimum Wage
The Living Wage
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
Statutory Paternity Pay
Statutory Adoption Pay
Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP)
Pay Day
Statutory Sick Pay
Pay in Lieu of Notice (PILON)
Payslips
Final pay when employment ends
Holidays and final pay
Deductions
Deductions from pay - employees
Deductions from pay - employers
Deducting training costs from final pay
Rests and breaks
Hours of work
Redundancy pay
Gender pay gap
Holidays and Leave
Holiday pay and leave
Sick leave
Bereavement Leave
Maternity, Paternity and Parental leave
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Adoption leave
Shared Parental Leave (SPL)
Fall Back Scheme – Parental leave
Surrogate Parent leave
Antenatal Care
Other types of leave
Dependants Leave
Garden Leave
Disciplinary or grievance hearings
Employee representatives
Leave for Flexible working hearings
Jury service
Pension scheme trustees and directors of trustee companies
Public duties
Job Hunting or to Arrange Training when Facing Redundancy
Trade Union Safety representatives
Study or training
Trade Union duties and activities
Trade Union learning representatives
Leave without pay
Workplace policies
Employee performance
Health & Safety at Work
Flexible Working
Whistleblowing
Resolving problems
Types of problems
Bullying and harassment
Misconduct and gross misconduct
Discrimination
Unfair dismissal claim
Breach of Contract
Potential Problems at Christmas Time
Steps to resolve
Informal actions
Warnings and other disciplinary action
Disciplinary procedures
Personal grievances
Suspension
Escalating unresolved issues
Mediation
Conciliation services
Arbitration services
Independent appeals
Industrial tribunals
Preventing relationship problems
Ending employment
Resignation and termination of employment
Constructive dismissal
Retirement
Dismissal
Redundancy
Giving and Accepting Notice
Final Pay
About
Who we are
What we do
Vision
Purpose
Values
Working for the Labour Relations Agency
Equality statement
Agency structure
Governance
Audit & Risk Assurance Committee Minutes
Board Minutes
Board/SLT Register of Interests
Finance & Personnel Sub-Committee Minutes
Senior Leadership Team Minutes
Senior Management Team
Key Governance Documents
Statistics Hub
Customer Service
Labour Relations Agency (Customer Standards of Service March 2024)
Our Service Standards
News
Events
Jobs/Vacancies
Resources
Legislation
Index Of Employment Related Statutes For Northern Ireland
1871-1976
1977-1994
1995-1999
2000-2007
2008-2015
2016-Present
Contact Us
Toolkit
Search
Skip to main content
Improving employment relations in Northern Ireland
Holiday pay and leave
Let's Talk About Pay - conference
Flexible Futures 2024
Events - How to Register - Demo Video
Redundancy pay
Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay - April 2026
There are changes in relation to parental bereavement leave and pay from 6 April 2026. This page provides the latest information, updates and the resources we have developed to help understand and implement the changes.
Learn more
Pay Rates at a glance - April 2026 - 2027
Each April sees the increase to the National Living and Minimum Wage rates, and other statutory rates of pay
The tables below show the current rates applicable for the above, and the revised rates which will apply from April 2026.
If you have any queries regarding these matters, please feel free to contact our
Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300
Learn more
This Thing Called Work - Celebrating 50 years of the LRA with former Chair Jim McCusker
This second episode in our 'This Thing Called Work' series sees former Chair of the LRA, Jim McCusker join our Chief Executive Mark McAllister to look back at the history of the organisation and labour relations in Northern Ireland, as well as Jim's time as Chair.
Learn more
Early Conciliation
The Labour Relations Agency provides an Early Conciliation service to employees, employers, or their representatives, who are involved in a dispute at work which might lead to a claim being taken to the Industrial or Fair Employment Tribunal.
Learn more
The 'Good Jobs' Employment Rights Bill
The proposals for an Employment Bill outlined by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald on 28 April 2025 will result in the most significant upgrade of employment legislation in 25 years.
Find out more
Latest News
See all news
Labour Relations Agency welcomes extension of Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay
09 April 2026
The Labour Relations Agency has welcomed new legislation extending statutory Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay to include miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, describing it as a significant step forward in supporting employees and strengthening workplace relations.
Learn more
- Labour Relations Agency welcomes extension of Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay
Pay Rates 2026 - 2027
01 April 2026
NI Leading the Way - Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay to Include Miscarriage
24 March 2026
Upcoming events
View all events
There are currently no events available.
Popular tools and resources
View all tools and resources
Holidays and Holiday Pay
19 December 2025
Information Note
The following information sets out the legal minimum requirements relating to holiday leave and pay. Note that an employer may offer more leave than the statutory 5.6 weeks minimum entitlement and any arrangements/payment relating to leave which, is in excess of the minimum entitlement, is a matter for agreement between the employer and worker.
Last modified:
02 April 2026
The Value of Trade Unions - Podcast
12 April 2024
Podcast
In the 7th Podcast in our “Challenging Workplaces” series, we discuss the value of trade unions in the workplace.
Last modified:
03 February 2025
Four Day Working Week Podcast
29 June 2023
Four day working week
Podcast
In the fourth podcast in the "Challenging Workplaces" series, we discuss the four day week, and whether it might be time to reassess the traditional Monday to Friday working pattern in the modern workplace.
Last modified:
05 February 2025
Employment Document Toolkit - How to Register - Demo Video
19 May 2022
Toolkit
This video provides step by step instructions on how to sign up to our new, free, online employment document toolkit.
Last modified:
29 May 2025
About the Labour Relations Agency
Staff are direct employees of the Agency. They receive continuous training and development on changes in employment legislation and employment relations practice and procedures. Most staff members are based in the Agency’s Head Office in Belfast, with a small team in the Agency’s Regional Office in Derry/Londonderry.
The Agency's staff deliver services face to face, over the phone and via email. We regularly deal with customers who are under stress and our staff are skilled in providing professional and knowledgeable support in those circumstances. However, we do not accept abuse, shouting or foul language directed at our colleagues and we reserve the right to end an interaction if it becomes intimidating or abusive. We are happy to pick up the interaction again at a later date.
Find out more about us
We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience.
We also use analytics & advertising services. To opt-out click for more information.
Starting out
Who is an employee
Types of employee
Agency worker
Apprenticeship
Young worker
Posted worker
Piece worker
Contractor versus Employee versus Worker
Volunteers
Hiring
Preparing for the hiring process
Describing the job
Advertising the job
Job applications
Interviews
Selecting and appointing
Tests and checks
Induction
Discrimination when hiring
Hiring young people
Contracts of employment
Contracts of employment explained
Types of contracts
Details a written statement must contain
Restraint of Trade
Probationary periods
Trade unions
Collective bargaining
Industrial action
Time off for trade union duties and activities
Safety Committee/Representatives
Rights and responsibilities
Qualifying periods
Working Time Regulations
Right to work in Northern Ireland
Employee engagement
Hours and pay
Wage/Pay Rates (quick overview)
Pay and wages
Minimum Wage
The Living Wage
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
Statutory Paternity Pay
Statutory Adoption Pay
Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP)
Pay Day
Statutory Sick Pay
Pay in Lieu of Notice (PILON)
Payslips
Final pay when employment ends
Holidays and final pay
Deductions
Deductions from pay - employees
Deductions from pay - employers
Deducting training costs from final pay
Rests and breaks
Hours of work
Redundancy pay
Gender pay gap
Holidays and Leave
Holiday pay and leave
Sick leave
Bereavement Leave
Maternity, Paternity and Parental leave
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Adoption leave
Shared Parental Leave (SPL)
Fall Back Scheme – Parental leave
Surrogate Parent leave
Antenatal Care
Other types of leave
Dependants Leave
Garden Leave
Disciplinary or grievance hearings
Employee representatives
Leave for Flexible working hearings
Jury service
Pension scheme trustees and directors of trustee companies
Public duties
Job Hunting or to Arrange Training when Facing Redundancy
Trade Union Safety representatives
Study or training
Trade Union duties and activities
Trade Union learning representatives
Leave without pay
Workplace policies
Employee performance
Health & Safety at Work
Flexible Working
Whistleblowing
Resolving problems
Types of problems
Bullying and harassment
Misconduct and gross misconduct
Discrimination
Unfair dismissal claim
Breach of Contract
Potential Problems at Christmas Time
Steps to resolve
Informal actions
Warnings and other disciplinary action
Disciplinary procedures
Personal grievances
Suspension
Escalating unresolved issues
Mediation
Conciliation services
Arbitration services
Independent appeals
Industrial tribunals
Preventing relationship problems
Ending employment
Resignation and termination of employment
Constructive dismissal
Retirement
Dismissal
Redundancy
Giving and Accepting Notice
Final Pay
About
Who we are
What we do
Vision
Purpose
Values
Working for the Labour Relations Agency
Equality statement
Agency structure
Governance
Audit & Risk Assurance Committee Minutes
Board Minutes
Board/SLT Register of Interests
Finance & Personnel Sub-Committee Minutes
Senior Leadership Team Minutes
Senior Management Team
Key Governance Documents
Statistics Hub
Customer Service
Labour Relations Agency (Customer Standards of Service March 2024)
Our Service Standards
News
Events
Jobs/Vacancies
Resources
Legislation
Index Of Employment Related Statutes For Northern Ireland
1871-1976
1977-1994
1995-1999
2000-2007
2008-2015
2016-Present
Contact Us
Toolkit
Search