What's happening in NI employment law in 2026?
Published on: 28/01/2026
Article Authors The main content of this article was provided by the following authors.
Kevin Gallagher Legal Director, Lewis Silkin
Kevin Gallagher Legal Director, Lewis Silkin
Kevin gallagher

Kevin is a Managing Associate in the Employment, Immigration and Reward team based in Belfast. He provides practical and commercial advice to clients on a wide range of employment related issues including contentious disputes, the conduct of internal procedures and compliance with statutory requirements.

Kevin has particular expertise defending complex claims for clients in the Industrial Tribunal, Fair Employment Tribunal, the County Court and High Court in Northern Ireland.

Orla Bingham Managing Knowledge Lawyer, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Orla Bingham Managing Knowledge Lawyer, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Orla bingham 930

As a Managing Knowledge Lawyer, I'm part of a team of specialist lawyers who help keep our clients and colleagues on top of developments in the rapidly changing world of employment law and policy.

I focus on ensuring clients and colleagues have the tools, training and resources to stay up to date with developments in employment law and its implications for their organisations.

I draw from my extensive experience working as an employment lawyer in London, as well as in previous roles as a Practice Development Lawyer (PDL) and knowledge manager in a leading international firm, based in Belfast.

Following a period of legislative proposals and consultations, 2026 looks set to be a significant year for employment law reform in Northern Ireland. Several flagship proposals are expected to solidify into law, including the Department for the Economy’s ‘Good Jobs’ bill, alongside changes to domestic abuse leave, parental bereavement leave, and statutory sick pay. Employers should also monitor key developments regarding post Brexit Windsor Framework protections and the ongoing clarification of the legal definition of "sex."


What is happening with the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill?

Following consultation on a proposed overhaul to NI employment law last year, the Department for the Economy published its response in its “Way Forward,” document, which puts a draft Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill

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Disclaimer The information in this article is provided as part of Legal Island's Employment Law Hub. We regret we are not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this article. This article is correct at 28/01/2026