Introduction
With regard to the Work and Families Bill we know that the major areas of reform relate to the concept of shared parental leave and the extension of the right to request flexible working to all employees. It would appear, at this juncture at least, that Northern Ireland is on a parity pathway regarding the GB timeframe.
The much-debated Employment Law Review of 2013 should see some movement later in October/November and from there we should know the basic content of a pending Employment Bill, which should receive Royal Assent around the end of 2015, with a view to implementation in early 2016.

Key reforms coming in under the Bill are:

Early Conciliation – mandatory routing of cases through