Labour Relations Agency (Northern Ireland) facts for kids
| Non-Departmental Public Body overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1976 |
| Jurisdiction | Northern Ireland |
| Headquarters | 2-16 Gordon Street, Belfast |
| Minister responsible |
|
| Non-Departmental Public Body executive |
|
| Website | http://www.lra.org.uk |
The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) is a special group in Northern Ireland. It helps make sure that workplaces are fair and that people get along. The LRA works to improve how bosses and workers deal with each other.
It started in 1976. The LRA is separate from the government. It gets its money from the Department for the Economy.
Contents
What is the Labour Relations Agency?
The LRA is like a helpful friend for workplaces. It gives advice to bosses, employees, and even trade unions. This advice is private and fair. It helps everyone understand their rights and responsibilities at work.
How the LRA Helps People
The Agency also helps solve problems when people disagree at work. They offer special services to help everyone find a solution. This means they try to sort out arguments without anyone getting upset.
Solving Problems: Conciliation and More
The LRA uses different ways to solve problems.
- Conciliation: This is when the LRA helps people talk and find a solution together. They act as a neutral helper.
- Mediation: This is similar to conciliation, but the LRA might suggest ideas to help solve the problem.
- Arbitration: If people still can't agree, an independent expert from the LRA makes a final decision. Everyone agrees to follow this decision.
Who Runs the LRA?
A group called the LRA Board manages the Labour Relations Agency. This board is made up of people who know a lot about workplaces and laws. They make sure the LRA does its job well.
Until 2014, the main leader of the board was Jim McCusker. He used to be a leader for a big public sector trade union called NIPSA. Other people on the board are experienced trade union members and experts in employment law.
