13 April 2026
SDLP Opposition Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin MLA has said that ongoing delays to the Good Jobs Bill are creating unnecessary anxiety for both workers and businesses.
It comes after a joint letter from business groups raised concerns about the proposed legislation.
Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin said:
“For far too long, workers here have been denied rights that are taken for granted elsewhere. The Good Jobs Bill is an opportunity to begin to address that and create fairer workplaces across the North.
“It is entirely reasonable that businesses will want to engage with this legislation, but that process should happen when the Bill is published. What we are seeing now is the direct result of delay and a lack of clarity. The Minister has promised this legislation time and time again but has failed to bring it forward in a timely or transparent way.
“As a result, businesses are being left to speculate about what may be included, while workers are left waiting for protections they should already have. That is not how good policy should be developed. This situation has not arisen by accident. It lies squarely at the Minister’s door.
“The priority now must be to bring forward the Good Jobs Bill without further delay, allow proper scrutiny through the Assembly, and ensure it delivers real protections for workers while giving businesses the clarity they need.”