Most employment law in Northern Ireland mirrors that in Britain, but the onslaught on employment rights introduced over the last couple of years has not applied in Northern Ireland.

In the forward to the consultation document, Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning, states: 'Where it is in the best interests of Northern Ireland, I am committed to taking the necessary steps to divert from the GB policy position and to develop local tailored solutions."

He describes the consultation as the most significant review of employment law since the establishment of the current Assembly.

The issues for consultation include:

• increasing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal to two years
• introducing a system of protected conversations
• reducing consultation periods for collective redundancies
• changes to whistle-blowing provisions
• having early conciliation before submission of tribunal claims.

The consultation runs until 5 November 2013. If you are a Prospect member in Northern Ireland and would like to contribute to the Prospect response please download the consultation document then email legal officer Marion Scovell or contact your Prospect rep or full time officer.