Invest Northern Ireland Employers' Handbook

Employers' Handbook: section-by-section

Guidance

The Invest Northern Ireland Employers' Handbook is your guide to employment law and good business practice. The guidance is available to download in its individual sections.

Please note: The Employer's Handbook doesn't reflect the latest changes from April 2026 to statutory sick pay from the first day of employment or the extension of Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay to cover miscarriage and early loss during pregnancy. These changes will be made as soon as possible. 

Please refer to our guidance in these areas for the most up-to-date employer information. See understanding statutory sick pay and Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay.

The templates included in the appendices of each section of the Employers' Handbook are available to download and adapt for your business use - see HR documents and templates.

The basics

Managing leave

Managing performance

Managing conflict, absence, and staff welfare

Redundancy

Labour Relations Agency's advice and guidance for employers.

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