Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald announced increases in limits for payments and awards related to employment rights. The changes take effect from April 6.

The compensatory award limit for unfair dismissal rises from £118,455 to £123,785. The maximum week's pay for calculating redundancy payments increases from £749 to £783.

These adjustments apply to various employment rights. Dr Caoimhe Archibald stated that safeguarding worker employment rights remains a key focus. The changes ensure fair compensation when workers need such payments.

Legislation requires annual updates to these limits based on Retail Prices Index changes. The new limits reflect a 4.5% rise in the RPI between September 2024 and September 2025.

Article 33(2) of the Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 mandates index-linking of the limits. The Department for the Economy holds a statutory duty to implement the order by April 6 with no policy alterations.

The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 appears online at legislation.gov.uk. Details also feature on the nibusinessinfo website. Printed copies come from The Stationery Office.