Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney criticised the DUP for blocking the Good Jobs Bill at the Northern Ireland Executive.

Kearney stated that the bill represents the most progressive workers' rights legislation ever proposed in Northern Ireland.

Trade unions had urged the Executive to allow the bill to proceed to Assembly scrutiny.

Kearney said recent polling indicated broad cross-community support for the proposed reforms.

According to Kearney, the blocked measures include protections for tips, neonatal leave and pay, paternity entitlements, and redundancy safeguards for pregnant employees.

He said the DUP's decision, involving Emma Little-Pengelly, prevents workers across all communities from accessing improved rights.