To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) how he ensures public sector organisations are following best workplace practices in relation to misconduct of employees; (ii) how other employees and organisational stakeholders are protected when misconduct impacts upon them; and (iii) whether he has considered developing a workplace handbook for public sector organisations to ensure consistency and best practice.

The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) provides a range of free guidance documents and templates for all employers, including public sector employers, which set out the best practice approach when developing and establishing workplace policies, and addressing workplace issues.

These documents also set out the duties and responsibilities of employers to their employees when another employee is being investigated or disciplined for misconduct. Further advice and guidance for employers and employees can be found on the NI Direct and NI Business Info websites respectively.

Whilst these guides are a useful resource for all employers, it is ultimately a matter for each employer to design policies and implement practices which best suit their organisational structure and needs, whilst adhering to legal requirements.

Employees who wish to report malpractice or wrongdoing in the workplace can make a disclosure to the employer or ‘whistleblow’ to a prescribed person or body, which can ensure an individual’s employment rights are protected.

Finally, any employee who believes they have been unfairly treated may be able to complain to an Industrial Tribunal. Anyone who finds themselves in this position may wish to consider contacting the LRA’s Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300 for confidential and impartial information.

In addition, the Law Centre NI also provides free, independent, specialist legal advice (subject to capacity) on employment rights. The Law Centre can be contacted on their advice line on 028 9024 4401 or by email: employmentadvice@lawcentreni.org.