News

Welcome Information Programme

Funded by Belfast City Council, our WIP is designed to build on the skills of the community and voluntary sector in Belfast to better support people seeking asylum and refugees in the city.

Law Centre NI launches Sanctuary Services Map to improve access to support across Belfast

Law Centre NI launches Sanctuary Services Map to improve access to support across Belfast

Refugee children and young people denied an education in Northern Ireland

The BBC has today highlighted the plight of refugee children and young people who are effectively being denied an education in Northern Ireland. Urgent government action is needed.

Azeeza’s Story

A client approached Law Centre NI after experiencing domestic abuse and being left without immigration status or financial support as a direct result.

FAQ PIP Assessment Recordings

This Frequently Asked Questions Guide provides an overview of the recent changes to the recording of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments in Northern Ireland.

Refugee facts and statistics: Northern Ireland briefing resource

This briefing resource is developed and updated regularly using statistics datasets released quarterly by the Home Office.

Court of Appeal rules employer’s training cost repayment scheme was unlawful: Geeks Limited v. Joseph Henry Watts [2026] EWCA Civ 889

Joseph Henry Watts challenged his former employer's claim for £8,108 in training costs after he had to resign for financial reasons. Despite signing a contract which stated that he would be required to pay the costs unless he remained with the company, the Court of Appeal found that the clawback provisions were an unjustifiable restraint of trade and therefore unenforceable. The Court concluded that the size of the debt effectively required the employee to work for a significant period without proper remuneration, undermining the principles behind the National Minimum Wage. This decision is regarded as an important ruling against excessive training cost clawback clauses in employment contracts.

Law Centre NI is pleased to welcome the Immigration Advice Authority to deliver this FREE information session.

Wednesday 9th September 2026, from 11am-1pm, online.

Guide to Constructive Dismissal

In this Guide to Constructive Dismissal, Law Centre NI explains key elements of the law relating to a constructive dismissal claim in the Employment Tribunal of Northern Ireland. The information contained in this Guide is correct at the time of writing (July 2026). This Guide is not meant to be a substitute for representation or expert advice.

Work Capability Assessment (WCA) Guide

This guide has been developed by Law Centre NI to help advisers understand the Work Capability Assessment and support clients through the claims process. Bringing together key legislation, case law and guidance, it provides practical information on eligibility, evidence, LCW and LCWRA entitlement, and challenging decisions. We hope it gives advisers the knowledge and confidence to effectively support claimants.

Beyond the Landmark Judgment: Securing Justice for Bereaved Families

Following a landmark legal challenge brought by Siobhan McLaughlin, the Supreme Court ruled that excluding unmarried cohabiting parents from bereavement benefits breached their human rights. This led to changes in the law extending entitlement to eligible cohabiting parents from August 2018 onwards. However, the legislative change did not provide a remedy for families who had been denied benefits before that date. Law Centre NI subsequently represented Joanne Armstrong and a claimant granted anonymity, and later assisted Siobhan McLaughlin in securing compensation for the human rights breaches they suffered prior to August 2018.

Refugee & Asylum Forum Gathering 2026

Our Migration Justice team were thrilled to host the Refugee & Asylum Forum Gathering at the end of June, which brought together almost 100 people from across Northern Ireland’s refugee-support sector.

LCNI Statement on Gaza Student Scheme and the Medical Evacuations Scheme

Law Centre NI welcomes the continuation of the Gaza Student Scheme and Medical Evacuations Scheme for critically ill children. While these schemes provide vital safe and legal routes for a small number of people, many others in Gaza remain unable to access protection due to significant barriers. Law Centre NI is calling on the UK Government to expand safe and legal routes for those trapped in Gaza.