Merry Xmas from the Team at Employers AssistanceAs the year draws to a close we would like to wish all our clients and subscribers a relaxing break over the coming holiday period. Next year is certain to bring significant change to the employment relations landscape and it will be an area that employers will want to monitor closely.
There are three significant Employment Relations Amendment Bills in
Parliament currently (Pay Deductions For Partial Strikes, Employee
Remuneration Disclosure, and Termination of Employment by Agreement). In
addition, recent announcements from Workplace Relations Minister, Hon
Brooke van Velden, about complete ground-up rewrite for the Holidays Act
2003 in the coming year, along with further clarity and protection when
engaging contractors who later want to claim they were 'employees',
e.g. subsequently raise personal grievance and minimum entitlement
claims.
The coalition Government is certainly appearing to be making business easier for employers going forward and this should increase business confidence heading into the new year.
We will be running skeleton staff over the coming festive period so your
emails and phone calls will be answered throughout apart from the
public holidays: 0800 15 800 or info@employers.co.nz
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Minimum Wage Rate in 2025This morning Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Hon Brooke van Velden has announced the coming year's minimum adult wage rate: a moderate increase to $23.50 on 1st April 2025.
The Government's decision is being seen as reflecting the current economic climate and labour market conditions. Ms van Velden is quoted saying the new rate is "the right balance between supporting workers and limiting further costs on business". She goes on to say for the first time in 3 years inflation is within the Reserve Bank's target band and this increase to the minimum wage supports that.
The Government is required to review the minimum wage rate annually and any changes come into effect in the new financial year of April 1 each year. Delivering this decision prior to Xmas is unusual, but aimed at giving business more time to prepare and plan for this in good time. |
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| If you haven't started planning your operational requirements over the coming holiday period here's a list of the upcoming Public Holidays for Christmas period and beyond into 2025....full story |
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| During holiday gatherings and staff social functions, management must uphold responsibilities for employee well-being and maintain a professional atmosphere. Holding an event off-site or after hours does not relieve employers of their duty of care, nor does it exempt staff from adhering to the company’s code of conduct....full story |
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| The Government has proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2000 aimed at reducing financial remedies to zero for employees who file personal grievances but have also exhibited poor behaviour....full story |
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| Departments in the Employers Toolbox can be used to organise your staff records, Health & Safety obligations and login permissions & security....full story |
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