With the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment overrun with employment disputes arising out of the COVID-19 response, judgements have begun to emerge from the Employment Relations Authority answering some important questions regarding the correct approach to the impact of lockdown on employee entitlements.
Continue readingOctober 1, 2020
What will the landscape of employment law look like post election?
While it seems from current polling that post 17 October 2020 New Zealand will continue to have a Labour led government , if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that nothing in politics is guaranteed and things can change suddenly. With the election looming we thought we would take a quick look at what the political parties intend to put in place should they end up in power.
Continue readingOctober 1, 2020
Employment Relationship Problem Update
We have been advised that MBIE’s Mediation Services are inundated with mediation applications as a result of COVID-19 and that delays are to be expected. Employers (and employees) can expect a wait time of up to six weeks before receiving contact about setting down a date for mediation, with the exception of urgent matters (for example if the employee is still employed or there is an urgent interim injunction/reinstatement application).
Continue readingSeptember 16, 2020
Let’s Talk: Employment Law Podcast EP5
As you may have already seen, our employment law team here at Lane Neave has launched an innovative podcast series “Let’s Talk: Employment Law” discussing the latest in New Zealand employment law to support your management of the greatest resource in your business – your people.
Continue readingAugust 24, 2020
Privacy Update: Covid-19 and Contact Tracing
Today, 24 August 2020, the Prime Minister announced that the current Alert Level restrictions would continue for a further week and the following week would see the whole country at Alert Level 2. This status means contact tracing requirements continue in place.
Continue readingAugust 21, 2020
more support for business under the government’s BFG scheme
The Minister of Finance yesterday announced a number of changes to the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme (Scheme), in the hope that loan made under the Scheme (BFGS Loans) will now be available to more businesses.
Continue readingAugust 18, 2020
Here we go again …..
With Auckland in Level 3 and the rest of the country in Level 2, this is a good time to reflect on what we have learnt from an employment law perspective during the last lockdown and in the subsequent cases.
Continue readingAugust 18, 2020
COVID-19 Support Still Available for Employers
On 17 August 2020 Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced a new nationwide ‘resurgence’ wage subsidy for employers who are financially impacted by the resurgence of COVID-19 and resulting change in alert levels.
Continue readingAugust 18, 2020
Opinion: Considerations for employers when employees want to continue to work from home after lockdown
As the COVID-19 lockdown hit and New Zealand morphed into what felt like a scene from an apocalyptic movie, employees retreated home, via a “grab and dash” for stationary, laptops and oversized televisions.
Continue readingAugust 13, 2020
Privacy Alert: COVID-19 Contact Tracing
At 11:59am Wednesday 12 August 2020 the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Levels 3 and 2) Order 2020 came into effect (Order). Among other matters, the Order sets out requirements for contact tracing.
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