Newsletter

lastest news in employment law

October Newsletter 2016


Published 09 Oct 2016
This Issue

Simple Trial Period Mistake Costs Employer

Another employer has learnt a costly lesson by assuming their standard trial period clause was legal.  Trials periods are unenforceable unless strict content and implementation requirements have been accurately followed....full story

Minimum Wage (Contractor Remuneration) Amendment Bill Defeated

Hon David Parker’s bill to impose the minimum wage on contracting arrangements has been defeated.

The Bill would have amended the Minimum Wage Act 1983 to extend its provisions to payments made to contractors.  Many services, such as pamphlet deliveries and musicians are not subject to any minimum wage requirements.

The Government acknowledged that many contractors are not paid minimum wage but decided that the greater problems for small businesses outweighed the bill’s benefit.  The Member bill was defeated 61-60 in its 3rd Parliamentary reading.

Visitor Management

A new feature for the Employers Toolbox online is Visitor Management. Knowing exactly who is at your work site and where they are at any given point is vital during an emergency situation or performing drills....full story

Ashburton WINZ Shooting, Health and Safety Implications

Following the fatal shootings of WINZ staff in Ashburton in 2014, WorkSafe NZ charged the Ministry of Social Development for failing to take all practicable steps to ensure its employees would not be exposed to the hazard of violent clients.
...full story

Court of Appeal Provides Relief for Employers

The Court of Appeal has confirmed that, when conducting an investigation, employers are expected to be fair and reasonable, but, the investigation should not be subject to minute and pedantic scrutiny for the purpose of identifying failings....full story