NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Mark Brotherston, has urged the executive to harmonise employment legislation in Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK. Currently the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) is conducting a consultation into the potential for reform. “In Northern Ireland we have not kept up with changes in employment law at Westminster, which is bad for investment and prevents jobs from being created”, Mark explained. “It’s absolutely critical that we bring things back into line with the rest of the United Kingdom, to make sure our economy is competitive and that we have the best possible environment for businesses to prosper. At the moment companies are being discouraged from operating here, because our employment law is lagging behind.” “There are critical changes, like simplifying the rules on tribunals, that this government has implemented, which have made real improvements for businesses and employees and are helping the economy to recover. There is also ongoing reform in areas like TUPE regulations, which govern what happens to employees when new owners take over existing businesses, where we in Northern Ireland really must keep up. The current law is notoriously complicated for workers and for businesses.” “It is exceptionally important that Northern Ireland shares in the benefits of employment law reform. We need a system which is flexible, competitive and protects the rights of both employees and business owners. We want to see law which encourages investment, creates jobs and rewards hard work. That’s why it’s vital that the department harmonises our employment legislation with Westminster, so that there is a level playing field for workers and businesses, across the UK.”