Analysis | Good Work Index 2025 in Northern Ireland
Marek Zemanik, Senior Public Policy Adviser, UK Nations at CIPD, analyses data from the Good Work Index 2025 that demonstrate key trends for workers in Northern Ireland
This month: plan to Make Work Pay, race harassment and legal changes for 2025
In our December 2024 legal round-up we look at the amendments, consultations and laws trickling through as part of the plan to Make Work Pay. We examine the tribunal ruling which reasserted that, when it comes to harassment, an explicit link to a protected characteristic is not needed. Finally, we review the laws that have impacted people professionals in 2024, and what could be coming in 2025.
The Employment Rights Bill is comprehensive. As the bill aims to tackle no fewer than 28 employment reforms, it is likely that the complexity and detail of the legislation will not ease.
On top of this, we have now seen the delivery of a sizeable body of amendment papers. The papers propose possible adaptations to the bill, such as the extension of tribunal claims limits from three months to six, or changing the proposed ‘day one right’ to claim unfair dismissal to a right to claim unfair dismissal during an ‘initial period of employment between 3-9 months’ right (meaning that there could be a phasing of the unfair dismissal rules during whichever time period is chosen).
The amendments process is complex and not all of the proposed items in the paper will make it into the bill. The CIPD will continue to update the tracker with confirmed changes and advice. The CIPD public policy team are continually meeting with government and responding to relevant consultations under the bill, we are sharing these with you here.
In Carozzi v University of Hertfordshire (2024) the claimant lodged a series of claims in relation to victimisation and harassment. Of note is one claim relating to harassment:
CIPD members can access the employment law page on harassment and bullying for more information on this area.
2024 saw many legal precedents, codes and legislative changes. A full view of what happened is provided in the employment law content and timetable.
Of the laws that came into effect this year, people professionals saw significant change because of:
April 2025 will be an active month for legislative change. The annual uplift in Statutory Sick Pay and increased rate for the secondary Class 1 National Insurance contributions (13.8% to 15%) will come into effect from 6 April. This is in addition to the annual National Minimum Wage increases. For employers, there are some relief options, with the maximum rate of the Employment Allowance increasing from £5000 to £10,500, and the relaxation of the eligibility criteria to claim the Allowance.
We will bring you legislative updates throughout 2025. CIPD members can use the tracker and employment law timetable to stay up to date with the latest developments.
Want more employment law advice? Members can take out a discounted subscription to HR-inform for additional resources.
Marek Zemanik, Senior Public Policy Adviser, UK Nations at CIPD, analyses data from the Good Work Index 2025 that demonstrate key trends for workers in Northern Ireland
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