Client update – June 2021 The Australian bubble – what happens if the bubble bursts? All Australian states and territories are participating in quarantine free travel with New Zealand; however, an outbreak or border closure at either end could occur at short or no notice, which we have seen already. That may leave travellers stranded […]
Client Update: February 2021 COVID-19 updates No Jab – No Job? One of Aotearoa’s largest retirement village providers recently stated that anyone hired to work at its facilities would need to consent to receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. It also stated that if an existing employee objects to receiving the jab, then it will look to […]
Before the election, Labour made a raft of promises to reform employment law. Many of these promises were the results of working groups (and their recommendations) that predated the election. Now, as a majority government, it is likely that at least the lion’s share of Labour’s proposed changes will be made a reality, and potentially […]
Over the past few weeks there have been a number of significant developments affecting employers, including introduction of new privacy and employment legislation, and the first (of likely many) cases dealing with employers reducing wages to 80% without consent during lockdown. Information about these are set out below. New privacy legislation New privacy legislation was […]
COVID-19 Newsletter #5 – Moving to Level 2 – What you need to know about “Playing it Safe” (12 May 2020) The Government has announced that New Zealand will move to Level 2 in stages, starting this week. Retail, malls, gyms, and cinemas can open from 14 May, schools from 18 May, and bars from […]
COVID-19 Newsletter #4 – Moving to Level 3 – What you need to know New Zealand is (currently) moving to Level 3 at 11.59pm on Monday 27 April. The guidance from the Government on this Level indicates that there are some businesses that may reopen if they can operate safely. The Government has also indicated […]
COVID-19 Newsletter #3 – Essential Workers Leave Scheme – What you need to know The Government’s COVID-19 response has introduced new support for essential businesses to pay their employees who cannot work. We outline the main features of this scheme below as a general guide. This information is correct at the time of issue, however […]
NEWSLETTER #2 – EMPLOYMENT IN the COVID-19 ERA Changes to COVID-19 Subsidies – What you need to know The Government’s COVID-19 response has evolved since our last newsletter on this topic dated 18 March 2020. We’ve put together some FAQs to guide you through the changing landscape. This is correct as at time of issue, […]
You have probably seen that the Government has announced a COVID-19 package. Assistance is applicable in two scenarios: you are significantly impacted to pay wages because of the economic impact (30% or more revenue reduction), or your employees are absent from work because of COVID-19. Am I eligible? You will be eligible for the subsidies […]
Whether you are asked to provide or are seeking a reference, a recent Human Rights Review Tribunal decision confirms that care is needed. Director of Human Rights Proceedings v Katui Early Childhood Leaning Centre Limited [2019] NZHRRTinvolved an employee (Ms A) who thought she had secured a job at Waatea Early Childhood Centre, and so […]