04/10/2024

Our annual Employment Law & HR Conference was held on 18 September 2024 at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast and once again was a sold-out event.

The return of Stormont, the new Labour Government, and the ongoing public consultation into Domestic Abuse Safe Leave and the Good Jobs – Employment Rights consultation, meant there was a lot to talk about.

As always, delegates heard from the Legal Team as well as a number of guest speakers throughout the day.

What did we cover?

• Top Employment Cases of the Year
  Kathryn O’Lone of Employers Federation delved into the most impactful employment law cases of 2024, including three from the Supreme Court. These insights provide HR professionals with valuable and practical perspectives on how these decisions may impact the workplace

 

• Navigating the Disciplinary Process
  Sara Plower of Employers Federation guided delegates through the more complex aspects of managing disciplinary processes, helping organisations to put themselves in the best position to defend possible unfair dismissal proceedings

 

• AI in the Workplace
  We were delighted to have Kathryn Harkin, Head of AI in FinTrU, share her expertise on the integration of AI in the workplace and HR processes. The lasting message was to remember the human remains responsible at all times. Additionally, we launched our AI Policy at the Conference, providing each delegate with a template to tailor for use in their business’s

 

• Domestic Abuse & the Workplace
  Sonya McMullan, Regional Services Manager for Women’s Aid Federation NI, discussed the critical role of employers in supporting employees’ experiencing domestic abuse. This profound session highlighted the resources available to both employers and employees. This was timely with the imminent introduction of the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act and the Executive office having launched their Ending Violence against Women and Girls Campaign on 16 September 2024

 

• Top Discrimination Cases of the Year
  Karen Moore of Employers Federation reviewed the most notable discrimination cases of the past 12 months, including a detailed exploration of the concept of “discrimination by ricochet.” Delegates were provided practical tips and recommendations to help ensure compliance with equality laws which can be an ever-changing and complex area of practice

 

• Good Jobs Employment Rights Public Consultation
  Colin Jack from the Department of Economy Northern Ireland provided an overview of the ongoing Public Consultation on the Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill, identifying the Department’s key priorities and encouraging active participation in the ongoing consultation

 

• Panel Session
  Our panel session is thoroughly embedded as a Conference favourite and, following an excellent 2 course lunch, delegates enjoyed listening to the perspectives of our panel members on the proposals contained in the Good Jobs Bill. Michelle McGinley of Employers Federation facilitated the discussion. The panel included Peter Bloch of Employers Federation, Patrick McAuley of Seagate Technology, Tracy Blacker of Almac and Barbara Henry of Caterpillar NI who each provided valuable insights. Patrick also wore the Over the Bloody Moon Menovest throughout the 45 minute session before giving feedback on the experience

 

• Menopause in the Workplace
  Karina Todd of Over the Bloody Moon addressed the challenges and support needed for employees experiencing menopause. The session also featured the innovative Menovest and her upcoming training programme with Employers Federation

 

• Planning for the Future
  We wrapped up with Michelle McGinley of Employers Federation offering strategies on how to prepare for forthcoming changes in employment laws

 

As always, throughout the day we gave away some fantastic prizes. Our Conference is a great networking event and plans are already underway for 2025.

Thank you once again to all who attended we really do value your support.