Report on the Employment Bill : Together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee Relating to the Report and the Minutes of Evidence First Report of Session 2009/2010

The purpose of the Employment Bill is to make provision regarding the enforcement of legislation with regard to employment agencies and the minimum wage; additionally to make provision with respect to the membership of, and representation before, the Industrial Court; and, for issues flowing from these provisions.

In this report on the Bill ("NIA 20/09/10R", ISBN 9780339603004) a number of issues were raised by the Committee for Employment and Learning in respect of amendments to the Bill, including changes being made regarding the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) when that body is subject to the outworkings of a review which recommends its restructuring and merger with the Sector Skills Council for the construction Industry, Construction Skills.

However, the Committee has been satisfied by the Department's reassurances that the legislation to restructure and merge the Board is a considerable way off and this change is needed presently to bring the consultation process regarding appointments to the CITB and the appointments themselves into line with current practice. The Committee has indicated its satisfaction with the Department's public consultation process and its engagement with the Committee, both prior to and during, the introduction of the Employment Bill.

The Committee is grateful to the Minister and his Department for their willingness to discuss issues with the Committee and take the Committee's views on board.