26 October 2005
NEW MEASURES TO PROTECT WORK SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS
New legislation to strengthen the protections for work seekers and employers using the recruitment industry has been laid before Parliament.
The legislation's main purpose is to provide powers of entry to and inspection of employment agencies and businesses to ascertain compliance with regulations governing such bodies.
The legislation provides the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) with the necessary powers to fulfil its statutory duty regarding the enforcement of legislation that governs the conduct of the Northern Ireland recruitment industry.
In addition, the legislation will:
- Harmonise the criteria used for the appointment of certain positions within the Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunals.
- Clarify the Fair Employment Tribunal's power to enforce awards of costs.
The proposals were developed from views received, as a result of public consultation, from employment agencies and businesses and their representatives, as well as other key stakeholders.
Draft legislation reflecting the outcome of the consultation has now been laid before Parliament and will be debated by both Houses in the forthcoming weeks.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The draft Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order was laid before Parliament on 24 October 2005.
- The draft Order and associated Explanatory Memorandum, as well as papers associated with the public consultation exercise which informed the development of the Order's provisions, are available on the Department for Employment and Learning website at http://www.delni.gov.uk.
- Printed copies of the draft Order (reference ISBN 0-110-80010-9, priced £3.00), and associated Explanatory Memorandum (reference ISBN 0-337-96194-8, priced £3.00) may be purchased from The Stationery Office, Arthur Street, Belfast.
- For further information please contact Gwyn Treharne on 028 9025 7790.
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