Minister exempts most firms from new trade union rights

Stormont's economy minister has moved to exempt most businesses from controversial new trade union rights.

The move by Caomihe Archibald is an attempt to reach political agreement on her Good Jobs Bill, a significant overhaul of employment law.

Businesses with fewer than 10 staff will be exempt from proposed new arrangements for trade union access to workplaces.

Official data suggests that almost 90% of businesses in Northern Ireland employ fewer than 10 people.

However, because most people are employed by large organisations, including the public sector, it means that around 80% of workers will still be covered by the changes.

The Good Jobs Bill was first announced almost two years ago.

It was discussed by the Stormont executive on Thursday but no agreement was reached after DUP ministers said they needed more time to assess it.

Some of the proposed changes have been heavily criticised by business groups.

The plans for trade union access have faced the most intense opposition.

Currently, unions generally only have a right to enter a workplace if they are already recognised by the employer.

The bill would give unions a "right to request" access to meet with workers for recruitment and representation.

Access would not be automatic, but employers would not be permitted to "unreasonably" withhold it.

The minister had proposed that would apply to businesses with 50 or more workers in 2028, then extend to firms employing 21 or more in 2029, before encompassing all businesses from 2030.

On Friday she said she had changed her position.

"As economy minister, I committed to ongoing, meaningful engagement on the Good Jobs Bill," she said in a statement.

"Following further engagements with employer and trade union reps, I have decided to exempt businesses with less than ten employees from the workplace trade union access provisions.

"It is now time for the landmark Good Jobs Bill to progress into the assembly for democratic discussion and scrutiny."

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said it could accept the move if it secures a deal.

"If in order to secure the support of all executive parties and ensure the passage of the legislation through the assembly, the minister needs to make concessions regarding requirements on small employers to facilitate trade union access, then we will stay the course in the interests of workers and working families," it said in a statement.

"Our priority remains securing progress that strengthens rights, improves work, and delivers a better future for all."

The trade union body also criticised some business groups accusing them of "seeking at every opportunity to obfuscate, misrepresent, and delay progress."

The Democratic Unionist Party's (DUP) Phillip Brett MLA welcomed what he called the minister's "u-turn".

"This change is progress and shows that pressure from the DUP, businesses and employer representatives has forced Sinn Fein to think again," he said.

"However, there is still much more to do. Significant concerns remain around a number of proposals within this legislation and it is vital that the executive gets this right.

"The DUP will continue working towards legislation which is fair, workable and strikes the right balance for both employers and employees."