The planned changes are part of a sweeping reform to employment laws that aim to curb what the minister called "exploitative" labour practices and improve protections for workers.

The proposed legislation, which follows a public consultation with more than 190 responses, is expected to be introduced in the Assembly by next January. It includes provisions to allow workers the right to request “banded hours” contracts—mirroring measures already implemented in the Republic of Ireland—and to receive compensation if shifts are cancelled without sufficient notice.

Archibald stressed the importance of a “balanced approach” that meets the needs of both workers and employers. “This is an ambitious package of reforms to employment law which will see the biggest upgrade of our employment legislation since the Good Friday Agreement,” she said.

Zero-hours contracts, which allow employers to hire staff without guaranteeing working hours, have been widely criticised for their instability. Under the proposed changes, seasonal and casual work sectors will be exempt, ensuring continued flexibility where necessary.

Other measures include ensuring tips left for hospitality workers are fully passed on to them, aligning Northern Ireland with existing standards in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The reforms also propose a right to one week of unpaid carers' leave annually, which would standardise entitlements across the UK.

Reactions have been mixed. While trade unions welcomed the reforms, business leaders voiced concern about potential cost implications. Glyn Roberts, head of Retail NI, cautioned against burdening employers: “We want to ensure this legislation works for workers as well as businesses.”