12/09/2025

2025 Employment Law & HR Conference 2025: Supporting Employers in a time of Change

Our Annual Employment Law & HR Conference was held on 9 September 2025. This was a sold-out event where we were joined by employers from across all sectors in Northern Ireland.

Our Conference ethos is always to share knowledge and information in a practical an accessible way. Employers come away not only with valuable and relevant learnings, but also with the tools and understanding of how to put these into practice. We covered a wide variety of topics including legislative developments, case law, soft skills and much more.

The Minister for the Economy

We were delighted to be joined by the Minister for the Economy who opened the Conference with a short address on the Good Jobs Bill. The Minister discussed the importance for both employees and employers that good jobs are created in Northern Ireland. Her message was clear, good jobs are central to a thriving economy, and employers have a vital role to play.

We thanked the Minister before she headed off for the first day back in the Assembly following the summer recess.

Policy in Focus: The Good Jobs Bill

Michelle McGinley, Director of Legal & Policy, then guided delegates through the Department for the Economy’s Response to the Good Jobs Public Consultation and what the Department has decided to take forward. Michelle considered each of the four Themes:

• Theme A: Terms of Employment
• Theme B: Pay and Benefits
• Theme C: voice and Representation
• Theme D: Work-Life Balance

Whilst the Department has indicated the proposals it intends to take forward, some of the finer detail around how they will operate is yet to be decided. The proposal to take forward a general right for trade union access sparked lively and important conversations throughout the day.

Tackling Sexual Harassment

Sara Plower, Employment Lawyer, raised critical awareness around sexual harassment in the workplace, offering practical insights into how businesses can prevent incidents and respond effectively. The session was a timely reminder of the importance of proactive policies and a culture of respect.

Case Law review

Kathryn O’Lone, Senior Employment Lawyer, Head of ROI and Business Improvement, delivered two compelling reviews of recent case law. This included the impact of the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland and the Court of Appeal ‘s nuanced decision in Higgs v Farmor, which explored how employers can balance competing views in the workplace.

Negotiation Strategies That Work

Enda Young, founder and CEO of the Centre for Negotiation and Leadership led a highly engaging and thought-provoking session on practical negotiation strategies for employers—a skill increasingly vital in today’s evolving workplace landscape.

Enda is running a course on negotiation at the Employers Federation office on 15 October 2025.

Diversity & Inclusion in Action

Judith Gillespie CBE, Co-Chair of the Diversity Mark Assessment Panel, and Christine White Director Diversity Mark explored the value of inclusive workplaces, highlighting why diversity and inclusion are more important than ever in building resilient, forward-thinking organisations and in retaining talent.

Panel Session

Karen Moore, Senior Lawyer, Head of Training (NI & ROI), hosted and organised the event, and also led a dynamic panel session reflecting on the morning’s discussions and the feedback from our digital polls. Enda Young and Christine White contributed to the panel; they were joined by Michael Neill, HR Manager: Industrial Relations, Musgrave, and Aileen Hoey, HR Director, Terex GB. The panel tackled key questions and offered fresh perspectives on issues including: positive working relationships between employers and trade unions; risk assessing the potential for sexual harassment in the workplace; and DEI.

Good Work Charter Preview

Elaine Clarke, Director of Employment Relations Services Labour Relations Agency,  shared an overview of the proposed Good Work Charter, offering an insight into what’s ahead for employers and employees alike.

Energy, Engagement & a Touch of Golf

The atmosphere throughout the day was full of energy – lots of networking, meaningful engagement, and even a few spot prizes and a touch of golf-themed fun to keep spirits high.

Thank You to Our Exhibitors & all Attendees

A heartfelt thank you to our exhibitors: Autism NI, NOW Group, The Labour Relations Agency, Employers For Childcare, Include Youth, and Quantum HR™—your presence added real value to the day.

And finally, to all the employers who joined us: your continued engagement means the world.

It’s a privilege to support you, and we never take your support for granted.