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Law Centre NI's policy advocacy in the area of Brexit focuses on the implications of the UK's departure from the EU for EU and EEA nationals and their families. We have collaborated with the Institute for Conflict
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/brexitWe aim to maximise access to legal advice and representation through, for example, promotion of ‘social welfare lawyering’. In particular we focus on: community legal servicesadvice and information outreachpublic legal
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/access-to-justiceSince 1977, Law Centre NI has delivered free and independent legal services in social welfare law areas. We work to promote social justice in Northern Ireland, using the law as a tool for social change. Our services are
http://lawcentreni.org/about-us/law-centre-niMember benefits In addition to access to all of our legal assistance services, our members receive the following benefits: Priority booking for training and eventsReduced fees for training and events Frequent updates
http://lawcentreni.org/about-us/become-a-memberAlthough every effort is made to ensure the information on these pages is accurate and up-to-date, we cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences. The information should not be treated as a
http://lawcentreni.org/disclaimerLaw Centre NI is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and all personal data we hold is held in accordance with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In compliance with GDPR, personal data may
http://lawcentreni.org/data-protection-confidentiality-policyWe work across a range of settings to promote and enhance employment rights, and developments in law, policy and practice.Particular interests in the area of employment include: employment rights of agency
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/employmentOur policy advocacy in this area focuses on protecting and promoting human rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. Particular policy priorities include: preventing destitutionaccess to public services for
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/immigrationWe provide advice on a range of areas of employment law including: Discrimination (please note, if you require representation in a discrimination case, please contact the Equality Commission)Employee rightsEmployment
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/about-our-service-1Enforcement of Judgments Office The Enforcement of Judgments Office (EJO) is a centralised unit for enforcing civil judgments related to the recovery of money, goods and property of the courts. In some circumstances the
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/important-contactsThe social security hub at Law Centre NI advises on the law relating to social security benefits, and provides representation before the Social Security Commissioners and/or at Social Security Appeal Tribunals. We
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/about-our-serviceOur immigration and asylum hub advises on: The law relating to the EU Settlement Scheme, as part of the 'Stronger Together Network'.Support to victims of modern slavery.Applications for asylum and the rights of
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/about-our-service-2The Social Security hub at Law Centre NI seeks to produce resources to support advisers in their day-to-day work on the advice sector frontline. Resources include our e-bulletin, adviser guides, and resource sheets. Law
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/information-for-advisersIn December 2018, Advice NI, Housing Rights and the Law Centre NI launched a joint report which highlights the approaching 2020 ‘cliff edge’ when funding for the mitigation package agreed as part of the Fresh Start
http://lawcentreni.org/news/mitigations-on-a-cliff-edgeThe government has laid out its proposals for the transfer of 3 million claimants from legacy benefits to Universal Credit (UC) in the draft Universal Credit (Managed Migration) Regulations 2018. Law Centre NI has
http://lawcentreni.org/news/universal-credit-protecting-claimants-through-the-managed-migration-processDo you want the reward of working for an organisation seeking to change lives and change law? Do you have a passion for social justice? Law Centre NI is recruiting. See the full list of roles and download an
http://lawcentreni.org/careersProfessor Eileen Evason, Chair of the Welfare Reform Mitigations Group, at Law Centre NI's seminar on welfare reform in January 2016. Here she discusses the recommendations of the Mitigations Group.
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-ni-welfare-reform-seminar-2016-prof-eileen-evasonDr Gráinne McKeever of Ulster University's School of Law and the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) was a keynote speaker at Law Centre NI's seminar on welfare reform in January 2016. She presents the work of
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-ni-welfare-reform-seminar-2016-dr-grainne-mckeeverLes Allamby, Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, was a keynote speaker at Law Centre NI's seminar on welfare reform in January 2016. Here, he argues for a human rights approach to social
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-ni-welfare-reform-seminar-2016-les-allambyMembers of the Refugee and Asylum Forum tell us what can be done to address some of the severe difficulties faced by asylum seekers and refugees in Northern Ireland. They call on MPs to work for progress on these
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/welcoming-refugees-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-to-helpThis film is part of a series of of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-3-travel-problemsThis film is part of a series of of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-4-family-reunionThis film is part of a series of of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-2-refugee-transitionThis film is part of a series of of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-1-destitutionThe first in a series of five short films about what members of Refugee and Asylum Forum think Northern Ireland's MPs could do to help refugees and asylum seekers. It was made during Refugee Week 2016. Watch the other
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/refugees-and-asylum-seekers-in-northern-ireland-what-can-mps-do-introductionPart 2 of a Digital Guide published by Law Centre NI to assist individuals without representation appealing a decision on a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This part of the guide provides an opportunity to view a
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-digital-guide-pip-part-2Part 1 of a digital guide published by Law Centre NI to assist individuals without representation appealing a decision on a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This part of the guide explains how to prepare for an
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/law-centre-digital-guide-pip-part-1As a result of the UK referendum vote to leave the European Union (EU) in June 2016, many EU and EEA nationals and their families are concerned about their right to remain in Northern Ireland. Law Centre’s Immigration
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/brexit-1Following the UK referendum vote to leave the European Union (EU), many EU and EEA nationals and their families are concerned about their right to remain in Northern Ireland. The Institute for Conflict Research’s
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/brexit-case-studiesWhat is settled status? As a result of Brexit, EU citizens living in the UK need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if they want to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. Who needs to apply for settled status?
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/settled-status-and-how-to-applCentre for Cross Border Studies / Border People The Border People website (a resource provided by the Centre for Cross Border Studies) provides practical information for people crossing the border to live, work, study
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/useful-contacts-and-resources-1We have gathered contact details for your MPs, MLAs, MEPs, and a range of other politicians working on, or with a special interest in, Brexit issues. You may wish to contact these politicians to make your concerns
http://lawcentreni.org/policy-advocacy/contact-your-local-political-representative-1Law Centre NI is part of a broad coalition of over 50 organisations concerned about the cessation of the current welfare reform mitigations in Northern Ireland (NI). Launched this week, the Cliff Edge NI Coalition aims
http://lawcentreni.org/news/cliff-edge-ni-coalition-launchedA video briefing on forced labour and labour exploitation. Ursula O'Hare discusses the issues with Kasia Garbal and Daire Murphy.Produced by NVTV.
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/forced-labour-and-labour-exploitation-2015A video briefing on what Northern Ireland's people and politicians can do to support refugees, including information on the 5 Actions and SAFER? campaign.Produced by NVTV.
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/immigration-asylum-and-trafficking-welcoming-syrian-refugees-to-ni-2015Law Centre NI hosted a social security workshop led by Michael Orton (University of Warwick) on 20 June 2019. The workshop was part of a calendar of workshops taking place across the UK.The aims of the workshops were:
http://lawcentreni.org/news/event-re-imagining-the-social-security-systemElizabeth Griffith and Lee Hatton from Law Centre NI join Ursula O'Hare in the studio to talk about Welfare Reform and the changes taking place.
http://lawcentreni.org/videos/social-security-welfare-reform-2016Law Centre NI has welcomed a new report from the Westminster All Party Parliamentary Group on Terminal Illness that looks at the legal definition of terminal illness. The report looks at how the law determines a
http://lawcentreni.org/news/six-month-rule-outdated-and-hurting-the-most-vulnerableLaw Centre NI is working alongside Mencap NI and the All Party Group on Learning Disability to carry out research on Personal Independent Payment (PIP). As part of the project a survey is being conducted to understand
http://lawcentreni.org/news/pip-research-to-influence-future-policy-decisions-in-niLaw Centre NI delivers a diverse range of training courses that aim to help learners get the best for their clients. The courses are tailored to suit different levels - from beginner through to advanced - and cover
http://lawcentreni.org/news/expert-training-to-improve-your-skills-and-knowledgeLaw Centre NI is pleased to have completed a move to our new offices at 2nd Floor, Westgate House, 2-4 Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6ED.The new home represents part of the wider development in the organisation over the
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-moves-homeThe draft agenda for the Law Centre NI's annual social security law and practice conference has now been announced. This year's conference, being held on 24th October 2019, will be titled 'The Future of Social
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-announce-social-security-conference-agendaA delay to the introduction of important safeguards has been announced by the Department of Health. The Department of Health and the Department of Justice had agreed to commence provisions of the Mental Capacity Act
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-no-further-delays-to-deprivation-of-liberty-provisions-to-the-mental-capacity-act-niWelfare reform mitigation payments, introduced to protect the most vulnerable in society from some of the most damaging elements of UK wide welfare reforms need to be extended and strengthened to take account of new
http://lawcentreni.org/news/end-to-welfare-reform-mitigations-will-harm-most-vulnerable-in-society-says-cliff-edge-coalitionLaw Centre NI holds a unique space in working to achieve social change. We provide access to justice, strategic litigation, advice sector support and policy advocacy.This strategic plan sets out how we aim to achieve
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-strategic-plan-2019-21The Cliff Edge Coalition NI is encouraged by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey’s commitment to extend and strengthen the ‘bedroom tax’ mitigation beyond March 2020.The Northern Ireland Executive has approved the
http://lawcentreni.org/news/coalition-welcomes-community-ministers-commitment-to-bedroom-tax-mitigationPlease note that, due to the escalating situation around Covid-19, Law Centre NI have decided to postpone this even until further notice. Interest in the event was high, so we would like to apologise for any
http://lawcentreni.org/news/good-work-building-a-fair-employment-environment-in-niNeed advice about your employment rights? Need advice about your social security entitlement?Our free and independent legal advice lines are continuing as normal to make sure you get the advice you need at this critical
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-advice-line-operating-as-normalThe Law Centre NI employment hub has now updated the FAQs on employee rights in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19) as of 8th May 2020. The updated document: Reflects the changes and announcements made by the UK
http://lawcentreni.org/news/new-faqs-document-on-employee-rights-coronavirus-covid-19The Law Centre NI team is working hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information for advisers and the public on key developments in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19) legal and policy developments around
http://lawcentreni.org/coronavirus-covid-19-updateThe Law Centre NI immigration hub have launched an immigration update that brings all the key information on contingency provisions to one place. The update aims to help advisers and people who work with migrants,
http://lawcentreni.org/news/coronavirus-covid-19-immigration-updates-in-one-placeThe Law Centre NI social security hub has launched an update on all the key social security commitments affecting Northern Ireland. The document is aimed to help advisers as well as new and existing claimants. The
http://lawcentreni.org/news/social-security-changes-in-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19The Law Centre NI employment hub has launched an employment rights e-bulletin to keep advisers up to date on key legal and policy changes affecting workers in NI. Sign up here to receive important updates directly to
http://lawcentreni.org/how-we-help/information_for_advisersLaw Centre NI has launched a new webpage dedicated to providing up to date legal and policy information on contingency plans for employment, social security, immigration and community care. The page is designed to give
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-launches-coronavirus-covid-19-legal-resource-webpageThe Law Centre NI employment hub has launched a new FAQs to help advisers and self-employed workers understand the UK Government's 'Self-Employed Income Support Scheme'.The FAQs seeks to highlight the basic requirements
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-launches-faqs-on-the-self-employed-income-support-schemeThe Law Centre NI employment hub has produced a new FAQs document providing an overview of employee rights during a redundancy situation.The document brings together the legal and policy expertise within Law Centre NI.
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-launches-new-publication-on-redundancy-rightsThe Law Centre NI team are working hard to bring you the most up to date information on changes to social security provisions in Northern Ireland. This update provides all the key information on Personal Independence
http://lawcentreni.org/news/get-the-latest-updates-on-pipLaw Centre NI Director, Ursula O'Hare, has joined a group of 28 organisations from the community and voluntary sector to call for the immediate increase of child benefit to £50 per child per week.The organisations
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-adds-to-calls-to-increase-child-benefitThe Law Centre NI immigration hub has welcomed the announcement of changes to immigration rules for people in Northern Ireland. From 24 August 2020 eligible family members of 'relevant' people from Northern Ireland will
http://lawcentreni.org/news/new-changes-make-it-easier-for-ni-family-members-to-apply-for-immigration-statusLaw Centre NI has welcomed recent announcements from the UK Treasury and Northern Ireland Executive on support for workers but says concerns remain that employees may be confused about their employment rights given the
http://lawcentreni.org/news/law-centre-ni-stresses-no-change-for-workers-in-niLaw Centre NI's employment rights bulletin provides advisers with the latest news and developments in employment law and policy. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } /*
http://lawcentreni.org/employment-rights-bulletinThe family of a woman who was severely disabled due to a progressive degenerative condition is challenging the decision to refuse bereavement payments. The case is being considered by the court of appeal to decide
http://lawcentreni.org/news/family-challenges-refusal-to-award-bereavement-paymentsOur OCN NI level 3 certificate in generalist advice qualification is now being delivered online. With our first cohort of learners beginning in late June, this training will equip learners to effectively provide
http://lawcentreni.org/news/our-most-popular-training-delivered-onlineAt Law Centre NI we are always striving to make our help and support as accessible as possible. That's why we are pleased to have launched our new website translation function. Our website can now be translated in to 59
http://lawcentreni.org/news/help-and-advice-in-your-languageContinue your professional development remotely with Law Centre NI through our new online in-house training. Our team is experienced at delivering webinars to meet your learning needs. We offer a range of courses that
http://lawcentreni.org/news/online-in-house-trainingA woman in Northern Ireland is challenging the legal definition of terminal illness after being refused access to special rules designed to fast track the award of benefits without the need for assessment. Lorraine Cox,
http://lawcentreni.org/news/ni-woman-challenges-six-month-terminal-illness-ruleWe're pleased to announce we are now taking bookings for our annual social security law and practice conference. Book online now! This year we have made some very exciting new changes to the conference. We have
http://lawcentreni.org/news/exciting-new-changes-to-our-2020-conference-scheduleLaw Centre NI has today published a new FAQs document on Shielding and Returning to Work. The document seeks to help employees and workers who are currently shielding to understand their rights and
http://lawcentreni.org/news/new-faq-on-shielding-and-returning-to-work-publishedThe High Court in Northern Ireland has ruled that the different treatment of social security benefit claimants with a terminal illness is “manifestly without reasonable foundation”. In a decision handed down by Mr
http://lawcentreni.org/news/high-court-decides-different-treatment-of-terminally-ill-claimants-is-discriminatory-1Our most popular training is now being delivered online, meeting your learning needs with all the flexibility of supported online learning. Our next cohort starts on Monday 28 September. Our OCN NI level 3 certificate
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/online-certificate-in-generalist-adviceThis month Law Centre NI is joining the Law Centre's Network in celebrating fifty years of the law centre movement in the UK. The celebrations come fifty years after the first law centre was established in the UK.To
http://lawcentreni.org/news/celebrating-50-years-of-social-justiceLaw Centre NI has successfully challenged the decision to withhold bereavement support payment to the family of a woman who was severely disabled due to a progressive degenerative condition. Mrs Pauline O’Donnell sadly
http://lawcentreni.org/news/court-of-appeal-rules-in-favour-of-family-denied-bereavement-support-paymentThis year we have made some very exciting new changes to the conference. We have thought hard about how we can ensure our conference not only continues but also provides excellent value for delegates. As a result, we
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/social-security-law-practice-conference-2020-a-decade-of-changeThe Law Centre NI employment hub has published a new frequently asked questions document to help employees understand their rights and responsibilities in the event of a Coronavirus outbreak at work.The document
http://lawcentreni.org/news/coronavirus-outbreak-at-work-what-are-my-rightsThis one day course will familiarise you with the structure of the current benefits system in Northern Ireland, categories of benefits and the basic principles of disputing a benefit decision. It is designed to inform
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/introduction-to-benefitsThis training has been designed to assist advisers on employee rights in the context of a dramatically shifting environment. Delivered by a Law Centre NI employment solicitor, this training has been designed to help
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/employment-law-furlough-redundancy-and-rights-during-a-pandemicAs a result of ‘welfare reform’, advisers are more likely to come across situations where legislation, regulations or decisions made by government departments are in breach of the law. Judicial review is a helpful tool
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/beyond-the-commissioner-judicial-review-identifying-potential-test-cases-masterclassIn November 2016 the discretionary support scheme replaced aspects of the social fund, a series of loans and grants designed to support individuals who were experiencing a financial crisis. This webinar will give a
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/financial-support-for-clientsThis two day course will give you everything you need to pass the online assessment to attain your OISC level 1 immigration certificate, including a preparatory mock examination with Law Centre NI. Law Centre NI will
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/preparing-for-your-oisc-level-1-assessmentOur most popular training is now being delivered online, meeting your learning needs with all the flexibility of supported online learning. Our next cohort starts on Monday 25 January 2021. Our OCN NI level 3
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/online-certificate-in-generalist-advice-1Guaranteed to improve your representation skills, this advanced learning will help advisers get the best possible outcome for their clients at tribunal. The learning provides a detailed understanding of the PIP
http://lawcentreni.org/training-events/ocn-ni-level-4-in-tribunal-representation