Damien English

The publication of the handbook fulfils one of the key commitments in the government’s plan of action on collective redundancies following insolvency.

Damien English, minister for business, employment and retail, said: “The aim of this handbook is to provide accessible, clear and practical information for employees facing a collective redundancy situation following a company insolvency.

“It aims to ensure that employees are aware of the protections that exist when their term of employment is ending because their position is no longer available. The most relevant pieces of information have been brought together, in plain English, so that employees are fully informed of their rights and can act accordingly.

“The handbook provides answers to questions that workers may have in such scenarios and clearly explains about matters involved such as collective redundancy, statutory redundancy, company liquidation, the role of the liquidator, the insolvency payments scheme and so on.”

He added: “Work is also ongoing in the department on a range of amendments to company and employment law, including work on establishing an Employment Law Review Group on a statutory basis.

“This group, once up and running, will provide a valuable role in conducting ongoing assessments of employment laws to ensure that they are fit for purpose as well as examining emerging trends to ensure that our employment law framework adapts to a workplace that is evolving and changing as never before.”