Employment rights/relations and better regulation Presented by Tom Evans Assistant Director, Employment Relations

Employment rights/relations and better regulation Overview  Objectives of better regulation  Devolution: the challenge  Devolution: the opportunities  Better engagement  A co-ordinated approach  Forthcoming developments  Q&A

Employment rights/relations and better regulation Objectives of better regulation  Two key ingredients critical to future of NI economy: successful businesses and a skilled and motivated workforce  Better regulation does not necessarily mean less regulation, but regulation that is Fit for purpose Proportionate Facilitates business success Sets appropriate protections/standards

Employment rights/relations and better regulation Devolution: the challenge  Devolution challenges Government to engage meaningfully with local stakeholders to develop a framework that is responsive to NI needs  Local accountability: more intense scrutiny of policy decisions rightly places increased pressure on Departments and Ministers to get decisions right  Key stakeholders also face pressures from those they represent to lobby effectively  We all need to redouble efforts towards proper and meaningful mutual engagement

Employment rights/relations and better regulation Devolution: the opportunities  DEL committed to playing its role in better regulation  Opportunity to involve stakeholders from the outset, to develop local solutions to local problems  Parity or EU requirements may constrain or drive local policy  Even if not, it is appropriate pay heed to developments in GB and assess implications for NI  Departments are rightly required to give detailed consideration to a range of options, considering regulatory impacts and possible alternatives

Employment rights/relations and better regulation Better engagement  DEL considering how it can engage more effectively with the business community – and in particular SMEs – to better understand concerns and reduce complexity of compliance  Information seminars will be held to raise awareness of certain forthcoming legislation and to provide an opportunity for DEL to hear feedback  DEL also seeking to develop a more robust research base to assist with policy development

Employment rights/relations and better regulation A co-ordinated approach  Joined-up approach across Government to better regulation – NIbusinessinfo.co.uk, NIdirect.gov.uk – feedback welcomed  Joint efforts towards rationalising inspection, with the aim of reducing inconvenience to business  Removal of unnecessary burdens on the recruitment sector through recent legislative change  Employment agency inspectorate works closely with other authorities – GLA and HMRC NMW inspectors  Must avoid a “one size fits all” approach

Employment rights/relations and better regulation Developments over the past year  DEL policy response to dispute resolution review  Introduction of Additional Paternity Leave and Pay (effective for children expected to be born or adopted in April 2011)  Deregulatory measures introduced for Recruitment Agencies  Introduction of the Employment Act  Research to support the retention of current level of Annual Leave

Employment rights/relations and better regulation Forthcoming developments  SME forum to develop improved guidance/advice  Removal of cumbersome statutory grievance model  Improved services offering real alternative to tribunals  Introduction of Agency Workers Regulations  Amendments to WTR following ECJ judgements  Continued monitoring of policy developments in GB, accompanied by engagement with local stakeholders on the implications for NI  Publicity around changes and development of guidance to ensure that they are understood

Employment rights/relations and better regulation Q&A  Any questions or views?