The South Belfast MLA said: “The ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill consultation is a wide-ranging and significant piece of work that will have crucial consequences for our economy and wider society in the months and years ahead. While this is a welcome opportunity to engage on the need for reform of employment law and there are many positive aspects, we would have expected to see much greater detail around specific proposals and the potential costs and benefits of implementation.  

“It is noteworthy that there is limited discussion about the importance of creating more inclusive workplaces, particularly for those with disabilities. It is also both surprising and disappointing that the provision for paid carer’s leave has been omitted from this consultation, despite the Assembly passing a motion in March 2024 that included support for the provision of paid carer's leave. 

“I look forward to seeing more concrete proposals from the department in the coming months that incorporate considerations from the public consultation exercise, as well as a more comprehensive overview of the potential associated implications, costs and benefits. I would urge all interested parties to continue to engage on these issues beyond the closing of the public consultation.”