Legal-Island supports a new initiative by the four main employer representative bodies (Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of British industry, Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors) and the trade union movement in Northern Ireland to encourage workplace inclusiveness.

All employees are entitled to a workplace free from bullying, intimidation, harassment or victimisation; to be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy; to experience no form of unlawful discrimination; and to be valued for their skills and abilities.

On 26 October 2017, at the Spires Conference Centre, Assembly Buildings, Belfast, the NI Employment Relations Roundtable launched the Joint Declaration of Protection (for Dignity at Work and Inclusive Working Environment).
https://www.lra.org.uk/publications/agency-publications/advice-and-guidance-on-employment-matters/good-employment-practice-documents/joint-declaration-of-protection-for-dignity-at-work-and-inclusive-working-environment

The Declaration was welcomed and endorsed by the Labour Relations Agency and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland alongside a number of HR professionals, legal practitioners and members of the public. The Declaration, initiated by the leaders of employment relations in Northern Ireland, states everyone has a right to equality of opportunity in employment and the right to work in a harmonious and inclusive environment and atmosphere in which all workers are encouraged to apply their diverse talents and in which no worker feels under threat or experiences intimidation.

A Model Workplace Policy accompanies the Declaration and lists actions which all employers and trade unions are encouraged to adopt… and we would highly recommend that every employer and employee representative sign up:
https://www.lra.org.uk/publications/agency-publications/advice-and-guidance-on-employment-matters/good-employment-practice-documents/model-workplace-policy-for-dignity-at-work-and-inclusive-working-environment

Speaking at the launch, Marie Mallon, Chair of the Labour Relations Agency and Chair of the Northern Ireland Employment Relations Roundtable said, “The LRA fully supports the commitment and determination of the NI Employment Relations Roundtable that everyone in the workplace has the right to work in a harmonious and inclusive environment free from threat and intimidation. The LRA will work with all parties to promote this very important declaration.”

The Declaration and Model Workplace Policy are available to download from the Labour Relations Agency’s website:
https://www.lra.org.uk/publications/agency-publications/advice-and-guidance-on-employment-matters/good-employment-practice-documents/joint-declaration-of-protection-for-dignity-at-work-and-inclusive-working-environment

For further information contact Kelly McGinley (Communications Officer, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland) tel 028 9089 0862 or email kmcginley@equalityni.org or go to and the Equality Commission’s website www.equalityni.org