BONUS: Legally Different - NI and UK Employment Law with Leanne Murphy

In this bonus episode of the WorkWise for Screen podcast, we bring you highlights from our recent live event, featuring Leanne Murphy - Employment and Equality Solicitor at Rosemary Connolly Solicitors.

She shares practical advice on how small to medium-sized businesses in Northern Ireland can legally protect themselves by investing in solid HR foundations early on. From understanding the difference between freelancers, workers and employees, to navigating free legal resources and policy templates, Leanne breaks down what every screen employer should know. She also highlights the legal obligations that apply to any production taking place in Northern Ireland - crucial knowledge for producers working across the UK.

The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.

This episode covers:

• Low-cost HR resources for NI-based businesses

• Why written contracts and clear policies matter

• The importance of training, annual policy reviews and duty of care

• How NI employment law differs from the rest of the UK and what producers should consider when filming there 

• Outlines expected changes under the proposed Employment Rights Bill

LINKS

WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/en

Keith Arrowsmith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharrowsmith/

Tacita Small: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tacitasmall/

BFI: https://www.bfi.org.uk/

National Lottery: https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/

Leanne Murphy: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/leanne-murphy-388bb047

Rosemary Connolly Solicitors: https://www.solicitorsni.net/

Chapter Markers

00:00 Introduction to Workwise for Screen Podcast

01:13 Setting the stage: Legal protection for your business

01:18 HR Structures and resources in Northern Ireland

05:59 Understanding employment status: freelancers vs. employees

09:26 Importance of clear policies and procedures

12:18 Upcoming changes in employment law

16:20 Workwise for Screen: a valuable resource

19:50 Conclusion and call to action