‘Good Jobs’ proposals: What changes may be happening to pay and benefits in Northern Ireland?
Published on: 24/06/2025
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.

Manus Kearney Associate, Lewis Silkin LLP
Manus Kearney Associate, Lewis Silkin LLP
Manus kearney Lewis Silkin

Manus is an employment associate based in Belfast practising in both Northern Ireland and England and Wales jurisdictions. He has experience advising on both contentious and non- contentious employment matters across these jurisdictions.

Manus is experienced in representing clients in employment tribunal litigation in claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing. I have also advised clients on employment issues such as grievances, disciplinary procedures, absences and capability. He has particular experience advising clients in retail, telecoms and the public sector.

Following the publication of the Department for the Economy’s ‘Good Jobs’ consultation response in April, Northern Ireland is preparing to introduce key measures aimed at modernising its employment law framework, including reforms to pay and benefits and proposals for a right to disconnect. 

On 28 April, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, the newly appointed Minister for the Economy, published the Department’s summary of responses to the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill consultation. Alongside this, the Department issued its official response paper, outlining the proposals it now intends to seek Executive approval for. Two of the key changes announced under Theme B: Pay and Benefits, relate to calculation of holiday pay and the introduction of a statutory Code of Practice on the right

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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 24/06/2025