160 Years of the Employers Federation | Michelle McGinley & Karen Moore | Ep.38: Vibrant Workplace Podcast
What does an employers' organisation founded 160 years ago look like in 2026? In this episode Craig is joined by Michelle McGinley, Managing Director of the Employers Federation, and Karen Moore, Head of Training, to explore an organisation with an extraordinary history – and a role that continues to evolve alongside the world of work. We explore where the Employers Federation came from, what it actually does today and how it supports organisations across Northern Ireland, before getting into some of the biggest issues facing employers right now. We discuss the proposed Good Jobs Bill , the Federation's position on the changes and how they believe we can balance stronger employment protections with the realities facing employers. We also get into the relationship between employers and trade unions , how industrial relations have changed, and whether the two sides are really as far apart as they're sometimes portrayed. And after 160 years of workplace change, we look ahead too – including AI, its impact on workplaces and the fascinating effect it's already having on the types and volume of employment cases coming across their desks. It's a conversation about where employment in Northern Ireland has come from, where it is now – and where it might be heading next. 🎙️ Michelle McGinley , Managing Director, Employers Federation 🎙️ Karen Moore , Head of Training, Employers Federation 🎧 Hosted by Craig Thompson, Vibrant Workplace
