Employment Matters

Sick leave entitlement changes

The recent passing of the Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Act increased the employee sick leave entitlement from 5 to 10 days per year. The change comes into effect on 24 July 2021. The day in which the employee’s sick leave increases is based on their next entitlement date and not automatically from 24 July.

Median wage increase

The median wage increased from $25.50 to $27 gross per hour from 19 July 2021. This has implications for employers who may be intending to employ staff on an essential skills visa or residence visa

Covid-19 travel policy

The current pause in the trans-Tasman bubble and Wellington’s recent alert level change serves as a timely reminder that businesses need to plan for on-going travel uncertainty. Make sure you have an updated travel policy in place that covers what to do when an employee’s work or personal trip is extended, and the steps that employees should take when travelling in the bubble.

Covid-19 vaccinations and employees

As the vaccination programme rolls out across New Zealand, you might be wondering what your obligations are as an employer. Make sure you are clear on what you can and cannot do when it comes to Covid-19 vaccinations and your workers. Employment New Zealand has released some guidelines to help employers understand their role in the vaccination process. The guidelines can be found on their website together with a one-page PDF for your workplace.