We had a huge response to our recent email about key changes to employment law in New Zealand, with a number of requests for more information. With that in mind, we’ve written a more detailed review of the changes. The Government has made key changes to employment Law in New Zealand and we have updated our entire Employment […]
Industry InsightEmployment Agreements
Some things to consider before employing contractors
There are many great reasons for employing contractors in small businesses. As an employer however, you need to be aware that independent contractors may be considered employees in the eyes of the law. If one of your team-members is employed as an independent contractor, but fits the description of a permanent employee, they are entitled […]
Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s
It is a legal requirement for all employees to have a written employment agreement that clearly outlines the terms and conditions that will govern an employment relationship. An employment agreement must be signed before your employees commencement date. Types of employment agreements Employment relationships vary widely from one to another, however there are essentially three […]
Zero Hours contracts changing from 1 April 2016
(The following is the information posted by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment) The Employment Standards Legislation Bill includes a package of measures to prevent unfair employment practices in the New Zealand labour market, such as “zero-hour contracts”. The changes aim to retain flexibility where it is desired by both, employers and employees, but […]
Do your contractors know the rules?
“its easier to engage them as contractors than to direct employ them as staff”… It’s a common catch cry, but it is not reality. Whatever you have in writing can be overturned by the courts and you can become liable for the tax grossed up on what you have paid them, plus holiday pay etc… […]
The high cost of casual double dipping
CASE STUDY We got a phone call from an employee whose new Australian boss had called to say “I hear your husband is working for a competitor, pack your bags, and p$%&** off”. Just to be clear, we are not paraphrasing! After we had pealed the employee off the ceiling, she said “I am going to go him […]