The Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996

CHAPTER II N.I. REMEDIES FOR UNFAIR DISMISSAL

Introductory N.I.

Complaints to industrial tribunal N.I.

145.—(1) A complaint may be presented to an industrial tribunal against an employer by any person that he was unfairly dismissed by the employer.

(2) [F1 Subject to the following provisions of this Article] , an industrial tribunal shall not consider a complaint under this Article unless it is presented to the tribunal—

(a) before the end of the period of three months beginning with the effective date of termination, or

(b) within such further period as the tribunal considers reasonable in a case where it is satisfied that it was not reasonably practicable for the complaint to be presented before the end of that period of three months.

[F2 (2A) Article 249B (extension of time limits to facilitate conciliation before institution of proceedings) applies for the purposes of paragraph (2)(a).]

(3) Where a dismissal is with notice, an industrial tribunal shall consider a complaint under this Article if it is presented after the notice is given but before the effective date of termination.

(4) In relation to a complaint which is presented as mentioned in paragraph (3), the provisions of this Order, so far as they relate to unfair dismissal, have effect as if—

(a) references to a complaint by a person that he was unfairly dismissed by his employer included references to a complaint by a person that his employer has given him notice in such circumstances that he will be unfairly dismissed when the notice expires,

(b) references to reinstatement included references to the withdrawal of the notice by the employer,

(c) references to the effective date of termination included references to the date which would be the effective date of termination on the expiry of the notice, and

(d) references to an employee ceasing to be employed included references to an employee having been given notice of dismissal.

[F3 (5) Where the dismissal is alleged to be unfair by virtue of Article 135F (blacklists)—

(a) paragraph (2)(b) does not apply, and

(b) an industrial tribunal may consider a complaint that is otherwise out of time if, in all the circumstances of the case, it considers that it is just and equitable to do so.]

F1 Words in art. 145(2) substituted (6.4.2014) by The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (S.R. 2014/88), regs. 1, 12(5)(a)

F2 Art. 145(2A) inserted (27.1.2020) by Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 15), s. 29(2), Sch. 2 para. 37; S.R. 2020/1, art. 2(n)

F3 Art. 145(5) added (6.4.2014) by The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (S.R. 2014/88), regs. 1, 12(5)(b)

The remedies: orders and compensation N.I.

146.—(1) This Article applies where, on a complaint under Article 145, an industrial tribunal finds that the grounds of the complaint are well-founded.

(2) The tribunal shall—

(a) explain to the complainant what orders may be made under Article 147 and in what circumstances they may be made, and

(b) ask him whether he wishes the tribunal to make such an order.

(3) If the complainant expresses such a wish, the tribunal may make an order under Article 147.

(4) If no order is made under Article 147, the tribunal shall make an award of compensation for unfair dismissal (calculated in accordance with Articles 152 to[F4 161])F5 . . . to be paid by the employer to the employee.

[F6 (5) Where—

(a) an employee is regarded as unfairly dismissed by virtue of Article F7 . . . 130A(1) (whether or not his dismissal is unfair or regarded as unfair for any other reason), and

(b) an order is made in respect of the employee under Article 147,

the industrial tribunal shall, subject to paragraph (6), also make an award of four weeks' pay to be paid by the employer to the employee.

(6) An industrial tribunal shall not be required to make an award under paragraph (5) if it considers that such an award would result in injustice to the employer.]

F4 2003 NI 15

F5 1999 NI 9

F6 2003 NI 15

F7 Words in art. 146(5)(a) omitted (6.4.2011) by virtue of Employment Equality (Repeal of Retirement Age Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 (S.R. 2011/168), reg. 3(6) (with regs. 4, 5, 7)

Orders for reinstatement or re-engagement N.I.

The orders N.I.

147.  An order under this Article may be—

(a) an order for reinstatement (in accordance with Article 148),

(b) an order for re-engagement (in accordance with Article 149),

as the tribunal may decide.

Order for reinstatement N.I.

148.—(1) An order for reinstatement is an order that the employer shall treat the complainant in all respects as if he had not been dismissed.

(2) an order for reinstatement the tribunal shall specify—

(a) any amount payable by the employer in respect of any benefit which the complainant might reasonably be expected to have had but for the dismissal (including arrears of pay) for the period between the date of termination of employment and the date of reinstatement,

(b) any rights and privileges (including seniority and pension rights) which must be restored to the employee, and

(c) the date by which the order must be complied with.

(3) If the complainant would have benefited from an improvement in his terms and conditions of employment had he not been dismissed, an order for reinstatement shall require him to be treated as if he had benefited from that improvement from the date on which he would have done so but for being dismissed.

(4) In calculating for the purposes of paragraph (2)(a) any amount payable by the employer, the tribunal shall take into account, so as to reduce the employer's liability, any sums received by the complainant in respect of the period between the date of termination of employment and the date of reinstatement by way of—

(a) wages in lieu of notice or ex gratia payments paid by the employer, or

(b) remuneration paid in respect of employment with another employer,

and such other benefits as the tribunal thinks appropriate in the circumstances.

Para. (5) rep. by 1999 NI 9

Order for re-engagement N.I.

149.—(1) An order for re-engagement is an order, on such terms as the tribunal may decide, that the complainant be engaged by the employer, or by a successor of the employer or by an associated employer, in employment comparable to that from which he was dismissed or other suitable employment.

(2) On making an order for re-engagement the tribunal shall specify the terms on which re-engagement is to take place, including—

(a) the identity of the employer,

(b) the nature of the employment,

(c) the remuneration for the employment,

(d) any amount payable by the employer in respect of any benefit which the complainant might reasonably be expected to have had but for the dismissal (including arrears of pay) for the period between the date of termination of employment and the date of re-engagement,

(e) any rights and privileges (including seniority and pension rights) which must be restored to the employee, and

(f) the date by which the order must be complied with.

(3) In calculating for the purposes of paragraph (2)(d) any amount payable by the employer, the tribunal shall take into account, so as to reduce the employer's liability, any sums received by the complainant in respect of the period between the date of termination of employment and the date of re-engagement by way of—

(a) wages in lieu of notice or ex gratia payments paid by the employer, or

(b) remuneration paid in respect of employment with another employer,

and such other benefits as the tribunal thinks appropriate in the circumstances.

Para. (4) rep. by 1999 NI 9

Choice of order and its terms N.I.

150.—(1) In exercising its discretion under Article 147 the tribunal shall first consider whether to make an order for reinstatement and in so doing shall take into account—

(a) whether the complainant wishes to be reinstated,

(b) whether it is practicable for the employer to comply with an order for reinstatement, and

(c) where the complainant caused or contributed to some extent to the dismissal, whether it would be just to order his reinstatement.

(2) If the tribunal decides not to make an order for reinstatement it shall then consider whether to make an order for re-engagement and, if so, on what terms.

(3) In so doing the tribunal shall take into account—

(a) any wish expressed by the complainant as to the nature of the order to be made,

(b) whether it is practicable for the employer (or a successor or an associated employer) to comply with an order for re-engagement, and

(c) where the complainant caused or contributed to some extent to the dismissal, whether it would be just to order his re-engagement and (if so) on what terms.

(4) Except in a case where the tribunal takes into account contributory fault under paragraph (3)(c) it shall, if it orders re-engagement, do so on terms which are, so far as is reasonably practicable, as favourable as an order for reinstatement.

(5) Where in any case an employer has engaged a permanent replacement for a dismissed employee, the tribunal shall not take that fact into account in determining, for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) or (3)(b), whether it is practicable to comply with an order for reinstatement or re-engagement.

(6) Paragraph (5) does not apply where the employer shows—

(a) that it was not practicable for him to arrange for the dismissed employee's work to be done without engaging a permanent replacement, or

(b) that—

(i) he engaged the replacement after the lapse of a reasonable period, without having heard from the dismissed employee that he wished to be reinstated or re-engaged, and

(ii) when the employer engaged the replacement it was no longer reasonable for him to arrange for the dismissed employee's work to be done except by a permanent replacement.

Enforcement of order and compensation N.I.

151 .F8 —(1) An industrial tribunal shall make an award of compensation, to be paid by the employer to the employee, if—

(a) an order under Article 147 is made and the complainant is reinstated or re-engaged, but

(b) the terms of the order are not fully complied with.

(2) Subject to Article 158F9 . . . , the amount of the compensation shall be such as the tribunal thinks fit having regard to the loss sustained by the complainant in consequence of the failure to comply fully with the terms of the order.

[F10 (2A) There shall be deducted from any award under paragraph (1) the amount of any award made under Article 146(5) at the time of the order under Article 147.]

(3) Subject to paragraphs (1) and (2)F9 . . . , if an order under Article 147 is made but the complainant is not reinstated or re-engaged in accordance with the order, the tribunal shall make—

(a) an award of compensation for unfair dismissal (calculated in accordance with Articles 152 to[F11 161]), and

(b) except where this sub-paragraph does not apply, an additional award of compensation of[F9 an amount not less than twenty‐six nor more than fifty‐two weeks pay] ,

to be paid by the employer to the employee.

(4) Paragraph (3)(b) does not apply where—

(a) the employer satisfies the tribunal that it was not practicable to comply with the order,F9 . . .

Sub‐para. (b) rep. by 1999 NI 9

Paras. (5), (6) rep. by 1999 NI 9

(7) Where in any case an employer has engaged a permanent replacement for a dismissed employee, the tribunal shall not take that fact into account in determining for the purposes of paragraph (4)(a) whether it was practicable to comply with the order for reinstatement or re-engagement unless the employer shows that it was not practicable for him to arrange for the dismissed employee's work to be done without engaging a permanent replacement.

(8) Where in any case an industrial tribunal finds that the complainant has unreasonably prevented an order under Article 147 from being complied with, in making an award of compensation for unfair dismissalF12 . . . it shall take that conduct into account as a failure on the part of the complainant to mitigate his loss.

F8 mod. by SR 2002/120

F9 1999 NI 9

F10 2003 NI 15

F11 2003 NI 15

F12 1998 NI 8

Compensation N.I.

General N.I.

152.—(1) F13 . . . Where a tribunal makes an award of compensation for unfair dismissal under Article 146(4) or 151(3)(a) the award shall consist of—

(a) a basic award (calculated in accordance with Articles 153 to 156,160 and 161), and

(b) a compensatory award (calculated in accordance with Articles 157, 158[F14 , 158A], 160[F13 and 161F15 . . . ]).

• Paras. (2), (3) rep. by 1999 NI 9

• Para. (4) rep. by 2003 NI 15

F13 1999 NI 9

F14 Words in art. 152(1)(b) inserted (15.1.2006) by Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3424 (N.I. 20)), arts. 1(2), 5(2)

F15 2003 NI 15

Basic award N.I.

153.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, Articles 154 to 156 and Articles 160 and 161, the amount of the basic award shall be calculated by—

(a) determining the period, ending with the effective date of termination, during which the employee has been continuously employed,

(b) reckoning backwards from the end of that period the number of years of employment falling within that period, and

(c) allowing the appropriate amount for each of those years of employment.

(2) In paragraph (1)(c) “the appropriate amount” means—

(a) one and a half weeks' pay for a year of employment in which the employee was not below the age of forty-one,

(b) one week's pay for a year of employment (not within sub-paragraph (a)) in which he was not below the age of twenty-two, and

(c) half a week's pay for a year of employment not within sub-paragraph (a) or (b).

(3) Where twenty years of employment have been reckoned under paragraph (1), no account shall be taken under that paragraph of any year of employment earlier than those twenty years.

(4) F16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) F16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Para. (6) rep. by 1999 NI 9

F16 Art. 153(4)(5) repealed (1.10.2006) by Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/261), regs. 1(1), 53, Sch. 7 para. 3(8), Sch. 8(1) (with reg. 50)

Basic award: minimum in certain cases N.I.

154.—(1) The amount of the basic award (before any reduction under Article 156) shall not be less than [F17 £8,863] where the reason (or, if more than one, the principal reason)—

(a) in a redundancy case, for selecting the employee for dismissal, or

(b) otherwise, for the dismissal,

is one of those specified in Article 132(1)(a) and (b),[F18 132A(d),] 133(1), 134 or 136(1).

[F19 (1A) Where—

(a) an employee is regarded as unfairly dismissed by virtue of Article F20 . . . 130A(1) (whether or not his dismissal is unfair or regarded as unfair for any other reason),

(b) an award of compensation falls to be made under Article 146(4), and

(c) the amount of the award under Article 152(1)(a), before any reduction under Article 156(3A) or (4), is less than the amount of four weeks' pay,

the industrial tribunal shall, subject to paragraph (1B), increase the award under Article 152(1)(a) to the amount of four weeks' pay.

(1B) An industrial tribunal shall not be required by paragraph (1A) to increase the amount of an award if it considers that the increase would result in injustice to the employer.]

[F21 (1C) Where an employee is regarded as unfairly dismissed by virtue of Article 135F (blacklists) (whether or not the dismissal is unfair or regarded as unfair for any other reason), the amount of the basic award of compensation (before any reduction is made under Article 156) shall not be less than £5,700.]

Para. (2) rep. by 1999 NI 9

F17 Sum in art. 154(1) substituted (6.4.2024) by The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (S.R. 2024/86), arts. 1(1), 3, Sch. (with art. 4)

F18 SR 1998/386

F19 2003 NI 15

F20 Words in art. 154(1A)(a) omitted (6.4.2011) by virtue of Employment Equality (Repeal of Retirement Age Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 (S.R. 2011/168), reg. 3(7) (with regs. 4, 5, 7)

F21 Art. 154(1C) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (S.R. 2014/88), regs. 1, 12(6)

Basic award of two weeks' pay in certain cases N.I.

155.  The amount of the basic award shall be two weeks' pay where the tribunal finds that the reason (or, where there is more than one, the principal reason) for the dismissal of the employee is that he was redundant and the employee—

(a) by virtue of Article 173 is not regarded as dismissed for the purposes of Part XII, or

(b) by virtue of Article 176 is not, or (if he were otherwise entitled) would not be, entitled to a redundancy payment.

Basic award: reductions N.I.

156.—(1) Where the tribunal finds that the complainant has unreasonably refused an offer by the employer which (if accepted) would have the effect of reinstating the complainant in his employment in all respects as if he had not been dismissed, the tribunal shall reduce or further reduce the amount of the basic award to such extent as it considers just and equitable having regard to that finding.

(2) Where the tribunal considers that any conduct of the complainant before the dismissal (or, where the dismissal was with notice, before the notice was given) was such that it would be just and equitable to reduce or further reduce the amount of the basic award to any extent, the tribunal shall reduce or further reduce that amount accordingly.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply in a redundancy case unless the reason for selecting the employee for dismissal was one of those specified in Article 132(1)(a) and (b),[F22 132A(d),] 133(1), 134 or 136(1); and in such a case paragraph (2) applies only to so much of the basic award as is payable because of Article 154.

[F23 (3A) Where the complainant has been awarded any amount in respect of the dismissal under a designated dismissal procedures agreement, the tribunal shall reduce or further reduce the amount of the basic award to such extent as it considers just and equitable having regard to that award.]

(4) The amount of the basic award shall be reduced or further reduced by the amount of—

(a) any redundancy payment awarded by the tribunal under Part XII in respect of the same dismissal, or

(b) any payment made by the employer to the employee on the ground that the dismissal was by reason of redundancy (whether in pursuance of Part XII or otherwise).

[F24 (5) Where a dismissal is regarded as unfair by virtue of Article 135F (blacklists), the amount of the basic award shall be reduced or further reduced by the amount of any basic award under Article 154(1) in respect of the same dismissal under Article 136(1) (dismissal on grounds related to trade union membership or activities) or Article 137(1) and (7) (selection for redundancy on grounds related to trade union membership or activities).]

F22 SR 1998/386

F23 1998 NI 8

F24 Art. 156(5) added (6.4.2014) by The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (S.R. 2014/88), regs. 1, 12(7)

Compensatory award N.I.

157.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article and Articles 158 [F25 , 158A], 160[F26 and 161], the amount of the compensatory award shall be such amount as the tribunal considers just and equitable in all the circumstances having regard to the loss sustained by the complainant in consequence of the dismissal in so far as that loss is attributable to action taken by the employer.

(2) The loss referred to in paragraph (1) shall be taken to include—

(a) any expenses reasonably incurred by the complainant in consequence of the dismissal, and

(b) subject to paragraph (3), loss of any benefit which he might reasonably be expected to have had but for the dismissal.

(3) The loss referred to in paragraph (1) shall be taken to include in respect of any loss of—

(a) any entitlement or potential entitlement to a payment on account of dismissal by reason of redundancy (whether in pursuance of Part XII or otherwise), or

(b) any expectation of such a payment,

only the loss referable to the amount (if any) by which the amount of that payment would have exceeded the amount of a basic award (apart from any reduction under Article 156) in respect of the same dismissal.

(4) In ascertaining the loss referred to in paragraph (1) the tribunal shall apply the same rule concerning the duty of a person to mitigate his loss as applies to damages recoverable under the common law of Northern Ireland.

(5) In determining, for the purposes of paragraph (1), how far any loss sustained by the complainant was attributable to action taken by the employer, no account shall be taken of any pressure which by—

(a) calling, organising, procuring or financing a strike or other industrial action, or

(b) threatening to do so,

was exercised on the employer to dismiss the employee; and that question shall be determined as if no such pressure had been exercised.

(6) Where the tribunal finds that the dismissal was to any extent caused or contributed to by any action of the complainant, it shall reduce the amount of the compensatory award by such proportion as it considers just and equitable having regard to that finding.

[F27 (6A) Where—

(a) the reason (or principal reason) for the dismissal is that the complainant made a protected disclosure; and

(b) it appears to the tribunal that the disclosure was not made in good faith,

the tribunal may, if it considers it just and equitable in all the circumstances to do so, reduce any award it makes to the worker by no more than 25%.]

(7) If the amount of any payment made by the employer to the employee on the ground that the dismissal was by reason of redundancy (whether in pursuance of Part XII or otherwise) exceeds the amount of the basic award which would be payable but for Article 156(4), that excess goes to reduce the amount of the compensatory award.

[F28 (8) Where the amount of the compensatory award falls to be calculated for the purposes of an award under Article 151(3)(a), there shall be deducted from the compensatory award any award made under Article 146(5) at the time of the order under Article 147.]

F25 Words in art. 157(1) inserted (15.1.2006) by Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3424 (N.I. 20)), arts. 1(2), 5(2)

F26 2003 NI 15

F27 Art. 157(6A) inserted (1.10.2017) by Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 15), ss. 14(5), 29(2); S.R. 2017/199, art. 2

F28 2003 NI 15

Limit of compensatory award etc. N.I.

158.—(1) The amount of—

(a) any compensation awarded to a person under Article 151(1) and (2), or

(b) a compensatory award to a person calculated in accordance with Article 157,

shall not exceed [F29 £115,341].

[F30 (1A) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to compensation awarded, or a compensatory award made, to a person in a case where he is regarded as unfairly dismissed by virtue of Article 132, 134A, [F31 135F,] 137(3) or 137(5A).]

[F32 (1B) Where an employee is regarded as unfairly dismissed by virtue of Article 135F (blacklists) (whether or not the dismissal is unfair or regarded as unfair for any other reason), the amount of award of compensation shall not exceed £76,600.]

Para. (2) rep. by 1999 NI 9

(3) In the case of compensation awarded to a person under Article 151(1) and (2), the limit imposed by this Article may be exceeded to the extent necessary to enable the award fully to reflect the amount specified as payable under Article 148(2)(a) or Article 149(2)(d).

(4) Where—

(a) a compensatory award is an award under sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (3) of Article 151, and

(b) an additional award falls to be made under sub-paragraph (b) of that paragraph,

the limit imposed by this Article on the compensatory award may be exceeded to the extent necessary to enable the aggregate of the compensatory and additional awards fully to reflect the amount specified as payable under Article 148(2)(a) or Article 149(2)(d).

(5) The limit imposed by this Article applies to the amount which the industrial tribunal would, apart from this Article, award in respect of the subject matter of the complaint after taking into account—

(a) any payment made by the respondent to the complainant in respect of that matter, and

(b) any reduction in the amount of the award required by any statutory provision or rule of law.

F29 Sum in art. 158(1) substituted (6.4.2024) by The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (S.R. 2024/86), arts. 1(1), 3, Sch. (with art. 4)

F30 1999 NI 9

F31 Word in art. 158(1A) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (S.R. 2014/88), regs. 1, 12(8)(a)

F32 Art. 158(1B) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (S.R. 2014/88), regs. 1, 12(8)(b)

[F33 Adjustments under the Employment (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 N.I.

158A.   Where an award of compensation for unfair dismissal falls to be—

(a) reduced or increased under Article 17 of the Employment (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (non-completion of statutory procedures); or

(b) increased under Article 27 of that Order (failure to give statement of employment particulars),

the adjustment shall be in the amount awarded under Article152(1)(b) and shall be applied immediately before any reduction under Article 157(6) or (7).]

F33 2003 NI 15

Art. 159 rep. by 1999 NI 9

Acts which are both unfair dismissal and discrimination N.I.

160.— [F34 (1) Where compensation falls to be awarded in respect of any act both under—

(a) the provisions of this Order relating to unfair dismissal, and

[F35 (b) any one or more of the following—

(i) the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976;

(ii) the Disability Discrimination Act 1995;

(iii) the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997;

(iv) the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003;

(v) the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006.]

an industrial tribunal shall not award compensation under any one of thoseF36 . . . Orders[F37 or Regulations] in respect of any loss or other matter which is or has been taken into account under[F36 any other of them] by the tribunal (or another industrial tribunal) in awarding compensation on the same or another complaint in respect of that act.]

(2) Where compensation falls to be awarded in respect of any act both under the[F38 Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998] and under the provisions of this Order relating to unfair dismissal, an industrial tribunal shall not award compensation under this Order in respect of any loss or other matter which has been taken into account under[F38 the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998] by the Fair Employment Tribunal for Northern Ireland in awarding compensation on a complaint in respect of that act.

F34 1997 NI 6

F35 Art. 160(1)(b) substituted (1.10.2006) by Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/261), regs. 1(1), 53(1), Sch. 7 para. 3(10) (with reg. 50)

F36 1998 NI 8

F37 SR 2003/497

F38 1998 NI 21

Matters to be disregarded in assessing contributory fault N.I.

161.—(1) Where an industrial tribunal makes an award of compensation for unfair dismissal in a case where the dismissal is unfair by virtue of Article 136 or Article 137(1) and (7), the tribunal shall disregard, in considering whether it would be just and equitable to reduce, or further reduce, the amount of any part of the award, any such conduct or action of the complainant as is specified below.

(2) Conduct or action of the complainant shall be disregarded in so far as ,it constitutes a breach or proposed breach of a requirement—

(a) to be or become a member of any trade union or of a particular trade union or of one of a number of particular trade unions,

(b) to cease to be, or refrain from becoming, a member of any trade union or of a particular trade union or of one of a number of particular trade unions,F39 . . .

(c) not to take part in the activities of any trade union or of a particular trade union or of one of a number of particular trade unions[F39 , or]

[F39 (d) not to make use of services made available by any trade union or by a particular trade union or by one of a number of particular trade unions.]

.

For the purposes of this paragraph a requirement means a requirement imposed on the complainant by or under an arrangement or contract of employment or other agreement.

[F39 (2A) Conduct or action of the complainant shall be disregarded in so far as it constitutes acceptance of or failure to accept an offer made in contravention of Article 77A or 77B.]

(3) Conduct or action of the complainant shall be disregarded in so far as it constitutes a refusal, or proposed refusal, to comply with a requirement of a kind mentioned in Article 136(3)(a) or an objection, or proposed, objection, (however expressed) to the operation of a provision of a kind mentioned in Article 136(3)(b)).

F39 2004 NI 19

Art. 162 rep. by 1999 NI 9

Art. 162A rep. by 2003 NI 15

Art. 162B rep. by 1999 NI 9

Interim relief N.I.

Interim relief pending determination of complaint N.I.

163.— [F40 (1) An employee who presents a complaint to an industrial tribunal that he has been unfairly dismissed and—

(a) that the reason (or, if more than one, the principal reason) for the dismissal is one of those specified in—

(i) Article 132(1)(a) and (b), 132A(1)(d), 133(1), 134, 134A or 136(1), or

(ii) paragraph 161(2) of Schedule 1A to the Trade Union and Labour Relations Order, or

(b) that the reason (or, if more than one, the principal reason) for which the employee was selected for dismissal was the one specified in the opening words of Article 135F(1) and the condition in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of that paragraph was met,

may apply to the tribunal for interim relief.]

(2) The tribunal shall not entertain an application for interim relief unless it is presented to the tribunal before the end of the period of seven days immediately following the effective date of termination (whether before, on or after that date).

(3) In a case where the employee relies on[F41 Article 136(1)(a), (b) or (ba), or on Article 136(1)(bb) otherwise than in relation to an offer made in contravention of Article 77A(1)(d),] the tribunal shall not entertain an application for interim relief unless before the end of that period there is also so presented a certificate in writing signed by an authorised official of the independent trade union of which the employee was or proposed to become a member stating—

(a) that on the date of the dismissal the employee was or proposed to become a member of the union, and

(b) that there appear to be reasonable grounds for supposing that the reason for his dismissal (or, if more than one, the principal reason) was one alleged in the complaint.

(4) An “authorised official” means an official of the trade union authorised by it to act for the purposes of this Article.

(5) A document purporting to be an authorisation of an official by a trade union to act for the purposes of this Article and to be signed on behalf of the union shall be taken to be such an authorisation unless the contrary is proved; and a document purporting to be a certificate signed by such an official shall be taken to be signed by him unless the contrary is proved.

(6) For the purposes of paragraph (3) the date of dismissal shall be taken to be—

(a) where the employee's contract of employment was terminated by notice (whether given by his employer or by him), the date on which the notice was given, and

(b) in any other case, the effective date of termination.

(7) The tribunal shall determine the application for interim relief as soon as practicable after receiving the application and, where appropriate, the requisite certificate.

(8) The tribunal shall give to the employer not later than seven days before the date of the hearing a copy of the application and of any certificate together with notice of the date, time and place of the hearing.

(9) If a request under Article 169 is made three days, or more before the date of the hearing, the tribunal shall also give to the person to whom the request relates, as soon as reasonably practicable, a copy of the application and of any certificate, together with notice of the date, time and place of the hearing.

(10) The tribunal shall not exercise any power it has of postponing the hearing of an application for interim relief except where it is satisfied that special circumstances exist which justify it in doing so.

F40 Art. 163(1) substituted (6.4.2014) by The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (S.R. 2014/88), regs. 1, 12(9)

F41 2004 NI 19

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Arts. 163-167 applied (1.10.2006) by Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/261), regs. 1(1), 51, Sch. 5 para. 13(6) (with reg. 50)

Procedure on hearing of application and making of order N.I.

164.— [F42 (1) This Article applies where, on hearing an employee’s application for interim relief, it appears to the tribunal that it is likely that on determining the complaint to which the application relates the tribunal will find—

(a) that the reason (or, if more than one, the principal reason) for the dismissal is one of those specified in—

(i) Article 132(1)(a) and (b), 132A(1)(d), 133(1), 134, 134A or 136(1), or

(ii) paragraph 161(2) of Schedule 1A to the Trade Union and Labour Relations Order, or

(b) that the reason (or, if more than one, the principal reason) for which the employee was selected for dismissal was the one specified in the opening words of Article 135F(1) and the condition in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of that paragraph was met.]

(2) The tribunal shall announce its findings and explain to both parties (if present)—

(a) what powers the tribunal may exercise on the application, and

(b) in what circumstances it will exercise them.

(3) The tribunal shall ask the employer (if present) whether he is willing, pending the determination or settlement of the complaint—

(a) to reinstate the employee (that is, to treat him in all respects as if he had not been dismissed), or

(b) if not, to re-engage him in another job on terms and conditions not less favourable than those which would have been applicable to him if he had not been dismissed.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b) “terms and conditions not less favourable than those which would have been applicable to him if he had not been dismissed” means, as regards seniority, pension rights and other similar rights, that the period prior to the dismissal should be regarded as continuous with his employment following the dismissal.

(5) If the employer states that he is willing to reinstate the employee, the tribunal shall make an order to that effect.

(6) If the employer—

(a) states that he is willing to re-engage the employee in another job, and

(b) specifies the terms and conditions on which he is willing to do so,

the tribunal shall ask the employee whether he is willing to accept the job on those terms and conditions.

(7) If the employee is willing to accept the job on those terms and conditions, the tribunal shall make an order to that effect.

(8) If the employee is not willing to accept the job on those terms and conditions—

(a) where the tribunal is of the opinion that the refusal is reasonable, the tribunal shall make an order for the continuation of his contract of employment, and

(b) otherwise, the tribunal shall make no order.

(9) If on the hearing of an application for interim relief the employer—

(a) fails to attend before the tribunal, or

(b) states that he is unwilling either to reinstate or re-engage the employee as mentioned in paragraph (3),

the tribunal shall make an order for the continuation of the employee's contract of employment.

F42 Art. 164(1) substituted (6.4.2014) by The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (S.R. 2014/88), regs. 1, 12(10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Arts. 163-167 applied (1.10.2006) by Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/261), regs. 1(1), 51, Sch. 5 para. 13(6) (with reg. 50)

Order for continuation of contract of employment N.I.

165.—(1) An order under Article 164 for the continuation of a contract of employment is an order that the contract of employment continue in force—

(a) for the purposes of pay or any other benefit derived from the employment, seniority, pension rights and other similar matters, and

(b) for the purposes of determining for any purpose the period for which the employee has been continuously employed,

from the date of its termination (whether before or after the making of the order) until the determination or settlement of the complaint.

(2) Where the tribunal makes such an order it shall specify in the order the amount which is to be paid by the employer to the employee by way of pay in respect of each normal pay period, or part of any such period, falling between the date of dismissal and the determination or settlement of the complaint.

(3) Subject to the following provisions, the amount so specified shall be that which the employee could reasonably have been expected to earn during that period, or part, and shall be paid—

(a) in the case of a payment for any such period falling wholly or partly after the making of the order, on the normal pay day for that period, and

(b) in the case of a payment for any past period, within such time as may be specified in the order.

(4) If an amount is payable in respect only of part of a normal pay period, the amount shall be calculated by reference to the whole period and reduced proportionately.

(5) Any payment made to an employee by an employer under his contract of employment, or by way of damages for breach of that contract, in respect of a normal pay period, or part of any such period, goes towards discharging the employer's liability in respect of that period under paragraph (2); and, conversely, any payment under that paragraph in respect of a period goes towards discharging any liability of the employer under, or in respect of breach of, the contract of employment in respect of that period.

(6) If an employee, on or after being dismissed by his employer, receives a lump sum which, or part of which, is in lieu of wages but is not referable to any normal pay period, the tribunal shall take the payment into account in determining the amount of pay to be payable in pursuance of any such order.

(7) For the purposes of this Article, the amount which an employee could reasonably have been expected to earn, his normal pay period and the normal pay day for each such period shall be determined as if he had not been dismissed.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Arts. 163-167 applied (1.10.2006) by Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/261), regs. 1(1), 51, Sch. 5 para. 13(6) (with reg. 50)

Application for variation or revocation of order N.I.

166.—(1) At any time between—

(a) the making of an order under Article 164, and

(b) the determination or settlement of the complaint,

the employer or the employee may apply to an industrial tribunal for the revocation or variation of the order on the ground of a relevant change of circumstances since the making of the order.

(2) Articles 163 and 164 apply in relation to such an application as in relation to an original application for interim relief except that —

(a) no certificate need be presented to the tribunal under Article 163(3), and

(b) in the case of an application by the employer, Article 163(8) has effect with the substitution of a reference to the employee for the reference to the employer.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 Arts. 163-167 applied (1.10.2006) by Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/261), regs. 1(1), 51, Sch. 5 para. 13(6) (with reg. 50)

Consequence of failure to comply with order N.I.

167.—(1) If, on the application of an employee, an industrial tribunal is satisfied that the employer has not complied with the terms of an order for the reinstatement or re-engagement of the employee under Article 164(5) or (7), the tribunal shall—

(a) make an order for the continuation of the employee's contract of employment, and

(b) order the employer to pay compensation to the employee.

(2) on under paragraph (1)(b) shall be of such amount as the tribunal considers just and equitable in all the circumstances having regard—

(a) to the infringement of the employee's right to be reinstated or re-engaged in pursuance of the order, and

(b) to any loss suffered by the employee in consequence of the non-compliance.

(3) Article 165 applies to an order under paragraph (1)(a) as in relation to an order under Article 164.

(4) If on the application of an employee an industrial tribunal is satisfied that the employer has not complied with the terms of an order for the continuation of a contract of employment paragraph (5) or (6) applies.

(5) Where the non-compliance consists of a failure to pay an amount by way of pay specified in the order—

(a) the tribunal shall determine the amount owed by the employer on the date of the determination, and

(b) if on that date the tribunal also determines the employee's complaint that he has been unfairly dismissed, it shall specify that amount separately from any other sum awarded to the employee.

(6) In any other case, the tribunal shall order the employer to pay the employee such compensation as the tribunal considers just and equitable in all the circumstances having regard to any loss suffered by the employee in consequence of the non-compliance.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 Arts. 163-167 applied (1.10.2006) by Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/261), regs. 1(1), 51, Sch. 5 para. 13(6) (with reg. 50)