HR & Employment Law for Northern Ireland - inc Employment Law at 11

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May 2026

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About the show

Features month podcast - Legal Island's first Employment Law at 11 webinar with Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors was broadcast live in October 2017. Since then, we’ve answered hundreds of complex employment law questions from thousands of listeners.In this podcast we will discuss questions on your employment law queries specifically in the Northern Ireland context. Sponsored by MCS Group.

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60 recent

June 16, 202648 min

Employee Data: What ROI & NI Employers Must Collect, Keep, and Delete

HR teams in NI and ROI are facing rapid changes around what employee information can be gathered, stored and kept. This free webinar is designed to guide you through what’s required and what to avoid.Julie Holmes from Legal Islandis joined by Crystel Robbins Rynne, CEO of HRLocker, for a focused 45‑minute session that walks you through the full employee journey, from job ads to post‑employment. With Crystel’s background as both a CEO and a senior HR leader, you’ll get real‑world insight into what you can collect, what you shouldn’t keep, and how long each record can stay on file.We cover:✔ What you must record✔ What you should avoid keeping✔ How long each item can stay on fileYou will receive two handy takeaway documents:• An NI/ROI split retention schedule• A simple checklist you can use straight awayPerfect for anyone handling employee information in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.Employee Data ChecklistEmployee Data DecisionEmployee Data Lawful Basis AnnexEmployee Data Retention Schedule ROI NI

June 16, 202646 min

Employment Law at 11: Real Cases, Real Lessons

Seamus & Christine talk NI caselaw - shoplifters, swearing and ChatGPT!Breen v Tesco Stores & Doherty [2026] - A cashier with COPD is told to chase a shoplifter. Her manager then questions her COPD, asks if she's on PIP and suggests a wedding means she's fit for work.Preshur v DHL Supply Chain [2026] - ADHD, multiple investigations, a secret job offer and an employee who swore at the Employment Judge. Hegarty v Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service [2026] - Two Tribunals, one month apart, completely opposite views on AI-drafted witness statements. This one is unresolved, and it's heading your way.Tell your HR colleagues or get your HR team around the computer and use the webinars as monthly group learning opportunities. Or catch up on Spotify or Apple Music while you're on the go!Please note that the employment law matters discussed in this webinar apply primarily to Northern Ireland.

May 19, 202631 min

The AI Revolution in HR & Payroll – Five AI Tools Already Reshaping Both

Industry trailblazers reveal the GenAI tools already reshaping the HR and Payroll functions.Our expert speakers Barry Phillips and Johnathan Trainor share their top five favourite tools, along with practical use cases, showing how GenAI is transforming everyday work, improving productivity and opening up new possibilities for HR and Payroll teams like never before.

May 12, 202649 min

Employment Law at 11: Harassment, Bullying and the Active Bystander

Legal Island’s Christine Quinn and Seamus McGranagahan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors explore what active bystanding really looks like, what the law says, and how the right training turns good intentions into confident action.

March 10, 202646 min

Employment Law at 11: Miscarriage & Bereavement in the Workplace

NEW LEGISLATION ALERT: In our March instalment of Employment Law at 11 Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and Christine Quinn of Legal Island, give us a guide to paid miscarriage leave in Northern Ireland, coming into effect in April 2026, and broader guidance on supporting employees through bereavement. They cover statutory entitlements, policy considerations, and best practices for compassionate workplace support, helping employers navigate these sensitive situations with confidence.

January 20, 202643 min

MCS Lunch and Learn: Level Up Your Recruitment Strategy for 2026

Think you’ve seen it all in recruitment? Think again. In This 45-minute webinar hosted by Legal Island in partnership with MCS Group, get the inside scoop on what’s really shaping hiring and how to hit the ground running in 2026.What to expect:• Understand how last year’s shifts in HR roles, sector trends and candidate expectations are shaping recruitment in 2026• Explore how candidates and employers are using AI from CV optimisation to predictive hiring and what it means for your strategy• Practical tips to reduce costs, streamline workflows and make automation work with your people, not against themStay ahead of salary trends, new role types and sector specific insights that will define the year ahead! Julie hosts a Q and A with recruitment experts Rebekah Mulligan, Senior Recruitment Consultant - HR – MCS UK & Ireland and Associate Recruitment Consultant Tara Duffy, so you leave with answers, ideas and a sharper 2026 hiring toolkit.

October 6, 202547 min

Employment Law at 11 - Sickness Absence

Cold and flu season is around the corner – are you ready? Catch up with our monthly Employment Law at 11 webinar to get practical guidance on managing sickness absence, including SSP, OSP, reporting obligations, and holiday entitlements. Stay compliant and support your team with confidence!

September 15, 202546 min

Employment Law at 11 Case Law Special: Why Clear Contracts Matter

Vague, contradictory, or poorly drafted contracts can cost employers dearly, and Northern Ireland tribunals are making that crystal clear.Employment Law at 11 regulars Christine Quinn of Legal Island and Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors are joined this month by special guest Jason Elliott BL for a focused session unpacking recent decisions that show exactly how unclear wording can backfire.We break down:• O’Neill & Durkan v Belfast HSC Trust – Contract void for uncertainty, holiday pay awarded.• Cassidy v Doma (NI) Ltd – Confusing notice clauses? Claimant wins one month’s notice pay.• Sweeney v Western Urgent Care Ltd – Pay basis unclear? Unlawful deduction claim upheld.• McKay v Adatar Ltd – Missing clarity on notice and holiday pay? Another win for the claimant.You’ll leave with:• Real-world examples of what not to do in contract drafting• Steps to tighten up your employment terms and conditions• Insights on how tribunals approach ambiguityDon’t wait until you’re in front of a tribunal, get your contracts right from the start.Please note that the employment law matters discussed in this webinar apply primarily to Northern Ireland.

July 29, 202544 min

Lunch and Learn: What Top Recruiters Know that You Don’t (Yet)

In this MCS Lunch and Learn webinar Julie from Legal Island is joined by leading recruitment experts Ryan Calvert and Rebekah Mulligan.In the first quarter of 2025, the business and recruitment landscape has already been reshaped by macroeconomic, socio-economic, and political forces. Policy changes, inflationary pressures, and shifts in the labour market are compelling organisations across the UK and Northern Ireland to reassess their HR strategies. As workforce dynamics continue to evolve and skills demands grow, it’s essential for HR professionals to adapt their approaches to remain competitive and effectively meet new challenges.In this 45-minute webinar, Ryan and Rebekah share the latest trends in recruitment, exploring how organisations are addressing skills shortages, meeting the demand for flexible work, and adapting to the changing expectations of today’s candidates. From the rise of AI-assisted applications to the impact of global DEI rollbacks on local employer brands, they outline the trends that will define talent acquisition in 2025 and beyond.In this session, we cover:• Evolving Hiring Trends – Gain insight into where job demand is expected to increase in the next year.• Practical Strategies for Addressing Skills Shortages and Talent Demands – Learn how organisations are responding to economic pressures and shifting labour markets.• Building an Authentic and Competitive Employer Brand – Discover how cultural fit and retention efforts can strengthen your recruitment strategy.Learn how to build trust and strengthen your employer brand in an era where candidates are more informed than ever. Our experts will also discuss how HR teams can stay authentic and competitive in a rapidly shifting environment, ensuring your organisation’s values shine through at every touchpoint, from job adverts to interviews and beyond. Expect practical tips, straight-talking insights, and just enough humour to make your talent challenges feel (almost) manageable.

June 10, 202549 min

NI - Employment Law at 11: Restructuring with Respect

Restructuring with Respect: Getting It RightWith rising concerns around “quiet redundancies”, AI disruption, and economic uncertainty, many employees are feeling unsettled.In this timely webinar, Employment Law at 11 regular Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and special guest Denise Collins of ForeBee Consulting explore how to handle redundancy lawfully and respectfully—from fair processes and communication, to supporting those affected and retaining trust among those who stay.A practical session for anyone involved in difficult workforce decisions. Please note that the employment law matters discussed in this webinar apply primarily to Northern Ireland.