Invest Northern Ireland Employers' Handbook

The Employers' Handbook outlines the legal requirements and best practices for employing and managing staff in Northern Ireland.

It provides guidance on the main employment procedures most commonly queried by small business employers.

Download the Invest Northern Ireland Employers' Handbook (PDF, 1.45MB).

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 Employers' Handbook is divided into key employment themes. You can also download the guidance by its individual sections - see Employers' Handbook: section-by-section.

Editable HR documents and templates

The Handbook provides free access to sample HR forms, letters, contracts, policies, procedures, and checklists on a range of topics, from recruitment, through to people management and staff exits. You can download these templates and adapt them to suit your business needs - see HR documents and templates.