9 November 2026

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin MLA has described the collapse of the Good Jobs Bill as a betrayal of working people and a damning indictment of an Executive that has failed to deliver meaningful change.

Sinéad McLaughlin MLA said:

"The collapse of the Good Jobs Bill is an appalling failure of political leadership. The DUP blocked progress, Sinn Féin promised delivery, and between them they have left workers empty-handed. Once again, working people are paying the price for the dysfunction that has characterised this Executive.

"The DUP's obstruction is indefensible. They have denied workers the chance of stronger protections, greater job security and better conditions. But Sinn Féin cannot simply point the finger and walk away. This was their flagship legislation, promised as a defining achievement of their time in the Department for the Economy. Workers were entitled to expect more than another broken promise and a political blame game.

"We should be raising our ambitions for the economy, not lowering our expectations of what government can achieve. Northern Ireland cannot continue to compete on low wages and insecure work. That is a dead end for workers, businesses and our wider economy.

"The SDLP has a different vision for our economy, one with regional balance at its heart, built on good jobs, fair pay and stronger workers' rights. We want to see businesses supported to grow, greater investment in skills and an end to exploitative employment practices. A thriving economy and fair treatment for workers must go hand in hand.

"People are tired of an Executive that makes big promises and delivers little. Workers in the North are now falling considerably behind those in other parts of these islands, with fewer protections and more precarious contracts.  The SDLP will continue fighting for the reforms that workers deserve. We want to see a regionally balanced economy that rewards hard work and ensures that prosperity is shared by everyone."