Debate contribution: 'Good Jobs' Bill: Process
Debate contribution by Dr Caoimhe Archibald on .
- MLA
- Dr Caoimhe Archibald
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 14 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- 'Good Jobs' Bill: Process
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5685539
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I thank the Member for her question. It is unfortunate that we are in the position that we are in with the Bill and that it continues to be stuck in the Executive. That achieves nothing other than to obstruct the open, transparent consideration of important legislation. I reject the Member's characterisation of the process. A very strong consultation and engagement process led to the Bill being drafted in its current form. I believe that it strikes the right balance between delivering for workers and businesses. People will have their own view of that, but it would be much better if they were able to express it with the Bill having been published and progressing through the Assembly. It is important to stress that the Bill is not focused solely on workers' rights. Rather, it is about trying to deliver a more balanced economy, while recognising the needs of businesses, workers and the broader economy. I have continued to work with Executive colleagues and others, including the business sector and trade unions, while the draft Bill has been with the Executive. We have since made some tweaks to it, and we will continue to engage as constructively as we possibly can in the time ahead. The Member will appreciate that there is a short time left in this mandate in which to introduce the Bill, but, from my perspective, there is still time for it to come to the Assembly.
240 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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