By Karen Corry, Senior HR Consultant
As the world of work continues to evolve, employers must be prepared for a new wave of legislative and cultural shifts that will redefine workplace expectations, responsibilities, and rights.
This period of transition isn’t just about compliance, it’s about opportunity. The changing regulatory environment invites organisations to reimagine how they attract, support, and retain their people. With pressures ranging from the demand for greater flexibility to growing calls for fairness, stability, and wellbeing at work, employers must respond with people strategies that are agile, inclusive, and future-ready.
Whether you have a well-established HR function or manage your team more directly, understanding these developments is key to building a resilient, forward-looking organisation.
On the Horizon: The Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill
At the centre of these anticipated changes is the proposed Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill – a landmark piece of legislation that, if enacted, could mark the most comprehensive overhaul of employment law in Northern Ireland in years.
Amongst the proposals are:
- Stronger protections for zero and low-hours workers, including a right to request more predictable hours.
- Limits on ‘fire and rehire’ practices, aiming to give employees more stability.
- Expanded family-related leave entitlements, and
- A potential new ‘right to disconnect’, helping employees maintain work-life balance in today’s always-on digital culture.
Although the full Bill is not expected to be introduced until 2026, with many measures to follow gradually, certain changes may be introduced sooner through secondary legislation or updated codes of practice. Staying informed about the evolving timeline and seeking timely HR advice will be key.
Employers who begin reviewing their people policies now, particularly in areas like flexibility, fairness, and transparency, will be better equipped to respond confidently and stay ahead of change.
Our HR Advisory team is working with clients to prepare for the potential changes, to discuss your own situation please get in touch with Karen Corry, Senior HR Consultant E: karencorry@bakertillymm.co.uk T: 028 9032 3466.