Is your organisation fully compliant with legal requirements around neurodiversity? Championing a neuro-inclusive workplace is an increasingly important part of a diverse workforce here in NI. With the NI Civil Service leading the charge with the release of their “Neurodiversity: NICS Line Manager’s Toolkit”, neurodiversity is never far from the HR headlines.In this edition of Employment Law at 11 regulars Christine Quinn of Legal Island and Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart unpack the l...

With a new Labour government in GB, the ‘Good Jobs’ consultation in NI and recent changes in ROI we’re all playing catch up on the divergence of laws between the neighbouring jurisdictions.Emma Grossmith, Managing Associate, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP and Catherine Hayes, Managing Associate, Lewis Silkin LLP ROI discuss recent, and upcoming, changes to:1. Zero-hours contracts2. Family rights3. Domestic abuse

DEI expert Conor Curran, draws breath after the general and local election results to consider (DEI) manifesto promises. With a focus on workplace diversity & employment / equality law. This webinar provides some insight as to what changes to working practices employers in NI might expect in the future. The question is: when?

As HR professionals, safeguarding the well-being of our employees is a paramount responsibility. Unfortunately, domestic abuse is an issue that affects many, and its repercussions often extend into the workplace, impacting productivity, morale, and overall health. The PSNI recorded over 33000 domestic abuse incidents last year, an increase on the previous 12 months. It is essential HR makes a positive impact by fostering a supportive workplace culture.In this special edition of Employment Law...

Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart solicitors and Legal Island’s Christine Quinn welcome special guest Mark McAllister, incoming Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Agency, for an Employment Law at 11 special.The NI Assembly is back, and rumours abound about what’s in store in employment law in the coming 18 months – and forewarned is forearmed!Mark cuts through the rumours and gives insights on what to expect from Stormont. As always, Seamus offers his expert legal opinion on what st...

Industry experts Ryan Calvert and Rebekah Mulligan from MCS, alongside Julie Holmes from Legal Island, explore the latest recruitment trends – and the path to building diverse, inclusive teams. While diversity is pivotal, it's just the beginning of the journey towards true inclusivity. Learn how to kickstart this journey by establishing a robust talent pipeline, then go further by fostering a positive workplace culture that embraces everyone. We'll equip you with strategies tailored for organ...

In this insightful free webinar, delivered by the new CEO of included, Michelle Sequira, we’ll be examining the pressing DEI challenges of 2024 and sharing the latest advice and guidance on actionable strategies to overcome them. "Beyond Barriers: Top DEI Challenges in 2024 and How to Solve Them," is designed for business leaders, HR professionals, and DEI advocates who are committed to creating more inclusive environments. Michelle will be tackling these core issues : Emerging...

May's topic is Harassment in the Workplace“We need a shift in culture so that every single instance of sexual harassment is investigated and dealt with.” Tarana Burke, #MeToo founderSo says the introduction of the new guidance “Eliminating Sexual Harassment from the Modern Workplace” produced by the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Christine and Seamus will hear from Claire Webb of the Labour Relations Agency in what is sure to be an engaging discussi...

Christine and Seamus discuss your employment law queries live in our webinar series, “Employment Law at 11”. This month it's an NI Case Law Special. Seamus and Christine will unpack the lessons to be learnt from 3 recent NI cases: 1. Watson v Police Service of Northern Ireland [2024] - failure to disclose information during the recruitment process. 2. Bond v Chief Constable of the PSNI [2023] - sex discrimination claim. 3. Rainey v Mid & East Antrim Borough Council [2023] - unfair...

Christine Quinn, Legal Island and Seamus McGranaghan, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors, are BACK to discuss your employment law queries live in our webinar series, “Employment Law at 11”. This month they discuss: Equality Matters Special 1. Neurodiversity in the workplace Recent CIPD research shows that 1 in 5 neurodivergent employees have experienced harassment or discrimination at work, and only half say they would feel safe to talk about neurodiversity in their organisation. And case law is...

Christine and Seamus and up to 500 participants as they discuss your employment law queries in our webinar series, “Employment Law at 11”. This month they discuss: 1.NEW YEAR, NEW LAW - Working Time Regulations The amended Working Time Regulations came into force on 1st January 2024 – they provide express rights to carry over unused holiday, codify the caselaw in the area and clarify what amounts to normal pay for the 4-weeks ‘EU leave’. Seamus will guide you through the amendments,...

Digital transformation expert Kieran Gilmurray shares the ten steps you need to take to implement AI successfully in your HR department. From setting clear business objectives to expanding AI into every relevant HR area and business role, and much more in between. 

Julie Holmes from Legal Island and Ryan Calvert, Head of Human Resources, Sales and Marketing Recruitment from MCS, provide an annual recruitment wrap-up, where Ryan delved into the latest recruitment trends in roles, pay and sector differentiators. Essential viewing to stay up-to-date with recruitment insights to gain a competitive edge in the talent market. By understanding the latest trends and best practices, employers can tailor their recruitment processes to streamline them, resulting...

Christine Quinn, Legal Island and Seamus McGranaghan, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors, are BACK to discuss your employment law queries in this Employment Law at 11 podcast. The GB Worker Protection Act: Northern Ireland employment legislation is increasingly diverging from GB legislation and blanket coverage of English and Welsh law in HR publications makes it difficult to weed out what does and doesn’t apply here in NI. Does third-party liability already apply here? Exactly what is the legal...

Seamus McGranaghan from the employment team at O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors and Christine Quinn from Legal Island discuss 3 big NI cases that you need to keep on your HR radar! 1. Molloy v D&W Carlisle Ltd [2023] NIIT 25132/21 A failure to follow isolation guidance during the pandemic constituted gross misconduct due to health and safety failings by an employee. 2. McDade v Norman Emerson Group Limited [2023] NIIT 63140/22 A claim of unfair dismissal rejected where it was found that the...

Julie Holmes discusses your employment-related questions with Seamus McGranaghan from the employment team at O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors. As schools close their doors for the summer break, employers face a unique set of challenges. Seamus tackles hot topics such as the ongoing tug of war between employers and employees about returning to the office, navigating childcare obligations, supporting working parents, and finding the perfect balance between professional dress codes and staying cool...

October is Cyber Security month! Government statistics reveal that a staggering 39% of businesses experienced a cyber-attack last year. 74% of all data breaches can be traced back to human error. It’s not enough to rely on your IT team, HR should be front and centre in the fight to protect data and in making sure that all employees know their responsibilities. Employment Law at 11 regulars, Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and Christine Quinn of Legal Island, discussed all...

Did you know that Legal Island celebrates its 25th Birthday this Summer? And Seamus has been doing Employment Law at 11 with us since September 2017! Hard to believe! So, in celebration of our long-standing partnership, we bring you some of Seamus’ Greatest Hits – the topics and conversations that you engaged with the most. Where are we now with them? Have things changed? And if so, is it for the better? 1. English language in the workplace - Is it ok to insist that staff speak only English...

Seamus McGranaghan from the employment team at O'Reilly Stewart solicitors and Christine Quinn from Legal Island discuss: The Windsor Framework – does it extinguish the promised ‘Bonfire of Worker’s Rights’, in NI at least?The New Vento bands – what are they and what do they mean for you?Hub subscriber question – This question is put to us time and again in many ways, so we thought we’d ask Seamus for his take on the rights, wrongs and pitfalls of an edict to return to the office: “Has anyone...

Seamus McGranaghan from the employment team at O'Reilly Stewart solicitors and Christine Quinn from Legal Island  discuss: 1.HR – putting the ‘Social’ into ESG!  Environmental, Social and Governance, or ESG as it’s known, is the big buzz word in industry at the moment. But it’s more than just a passing trend and HR play a pivotal role in its success. Seamus discusses: •             What is ESG?  •             Why does ESG matter for your organisation?  •             How your organisation...

In this months Employment Law at 11, Seamus McGranaghan from the employment team at O'Reilly Stewart solicitors and Christine Quinn from Legal Island discuss: 1. Office etiquette during flu season – Covid-19 is on the rise, flu season is upon us and bugs are doing the rounds in schools across the country – so how can you help ensure a healthy workforce without ruffling legal feathers? Can you ask employees to wear a mask if they have the sniffles? Do you have to pay them if they come into...

Christine Quinn from Legal Island and Seamus McGranaghan Director, O’Reilly Stewart, will discuss your questions on “Working or Shirking from Home?” and Christmas Party conundrums. Did you attend Seamus’ session at the Annual Review? If so, Christine will ask all your burning questions that he didn’t get to on the day. If not, now’s your chance to get involved, pose some questions, and catch up on what you missed!With the work Christmas Party making a welcome comeback this year, it’s back to...

Grab your lunch and join Julie Holmes, Knowledge Partner at Legal Island and Ryan Calvert, Manager of HR Recruitment for UK and Ireland, as they continue to discuss the key trends emerging in HR recruitment. In the current labour market, candidates can have their cake and eat it too. How can your organisation choose the best candidates and more importantly, keep hold of them? Join Ryan as he provides food for thought on Employee Value Proposition to attract talent and the importance of the...

Join Christine Quinn from Legal Island and Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart who discuss: 1. A new Chancellor, a mini budget and a “bonfire of worker’s rights” on the horizon – what do the changes mean for employers? From IR35 reversal, income tax cuts and an EU legislation “sunset clause”– Seamus sorts the facts from the fiction and explains what you need to know. 2. Quiet Quitting – a new trend from TikTok? A rebrand of working to rule? Or a consequence of hybrid working and working...