More than 20 business groups in Northern Ireland wrote a joint letter to Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald. They requested she delay major changes in Sinn Fein's Good Jobs bill.

The bill contains 50 proposed alterations to employment laws. These include rights for workers from their first day on the job.

The groups stated proper review of the bill cannot happen before the current Northern Ireland Assembly term ends next year.

They pointed to existing probation periods that let employers end unfit hires early. Such measures support small businesses amid high energy costs, minimum wage, and taxes.

Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader and Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA called for an immediate halt to the bill. She said business opposition shows it threatens economic stability across sectors like hospitality, agrifood, technology, and small enterprises.

Armstrong noted many businesses lacked awareness of the bill and its contents. She highlighted a lack of consultation, raised in the Assembly and Economy Committee.

She urged the minister to pause the bill, consult employers, and pursue practical reforms with business input.