Insights & Articles

Employment - Employees

A large compensation payment for bullying

A large compensation payment for bullying

The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) recently issued a noteworthy determination, in which a significant amount of compensation was awarded in favour of an employee who had endured severe bullying in the workplace. This case has the potential to establish a precedent, paving the way for comparable compensation awards to be made in cases involving moderate to severe breaches of employment law by employers.
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Ensure your employment agreements are up to date

Ensure your employment agreements are up to date

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
The Holidays Act 2003 specifically provides for annual 'customary' closedowns. There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios, and answered the most commonly asked questions.
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Closing down over Christmas and managing annual leave

Closing down over Christmas and managing annual leave

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
The Holidays Act 2003 specifically provides for annual 'customary' closedowns. There are a few rules you need to be aware of. We have set out some scenarios, and answered the most commonly asked questions.
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Medical incapacity of an employee

Medical incapacity of an employee

Medical incapacity of an employee is a challenge that demands a delicate balance between empathy and practicality. Determining when to draw the line on a long-term illness and how long to keep a job open for a sick employee is a challenging task shaped by case law intricacies. Employers are not expected to hold a position indefinitely but they must follow a fair process before terminating an employee’s employment.
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The Impact of the Upcoming Election on Employment Law in New Zealand

The Impact of the Upcoming Election on Employment Law in New Zealand

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
& Gus Hardie Boys
We are fast approaching New Zealand's General Election, and the nation's political parties have hit the campaign trail with their visions for the country. Changes are expected not only in the political sphere but also in employment and workplace relations. This article discusses the political parties' campaign promises and provides an overview of some of the parties' plans for the future, with a note that the list is not exhaustive
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Proposed Changes to KiwiSaver Contributions: What Employers Need to Know

Proposed Changes to KiwiSaver Contributions: What Employers Need to Know

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
Is your company deducting the Employer KiwiSaver contribution from your employees' pay? A new Bill, introduced to Parliament on 8 June 2023, aims to revolutionize the employer's role in KiwiSaver contributions.
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Extension of Time for Sexual Harassment Claims is now Law

Extension of Time for Sexual Harassment Claims is now Law

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
Gus Hardie Boys
The Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Bill ("the Bill") has now become law.
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A Reminder of the Duty to Consider Redeployment

A Reminder of the Duty to Consider Redeployment

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
Gus Hardie Boys
One of the considerations that employers need to make when undertaking a restructure and making roles redundant, is whether there are any redeployment opportunities for the impacted employees. See our previous article on restructures, which noted that, "During the consultation phase, you must consider and discuss with the employee whether there are any redeployment opportunities for them within the business, or if there are alternatives to redundancy, such as reducing hours or taking a period of leave".
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Wage Theft - The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill 2023

Wage Theft - The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill 2023

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
Gus Hardie Boys
Employers are generally prohibited by law from withholding an employee’s wages or salary, and other monetary entitlements due to the employee under legislation, with very few exceptions. The Government is now looking to criminalise intentional acts by employers of withholding such payments.
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Getting Restructures Right

Getting Restructures Right

Written by:
Melissa Johnston
Gus Hardie Boys
There have been numerous news articles recently about restructures, loss of jobs, and the impending gloom of 2023. If you are thinking about restructuring, you need to ensure the process is carried out correctly.
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