Employment Law stories
A Napier roofing firm has been fined and ordered to pay reparations after a 14-year-old worker fell eight metres through a skylight.
The ruling could curb employers’ disciplinary powers after Inland Revenue was ordered to reverse a warning and pay NZD $20,000.
Employers warn the reforms could raise costs and trigger conflict, as a new income insurance scheme and fair pay laws go out for comment.
Employers could face scrutiny from Worksafe and the Employment Relations Authority if they drop passes without a proper Covid risk assessment.
Businesses face higher payroll costs from Friday as New Zealand’s adult minimum wage rises to GBP £21.20 an hour, with training rates also increasing.
Employers face fresh staffing risks as phased border openings may speed departures and delay the return of skilled migrants.
Builders face stricter site controls, from masked public interactions to work bubbles and tracing records, as New Zealand shifts to Red.
Employers must manage fresh safety risks as young workers are barred from hazardous tasks, machinery and some night shifts.
Out-of-hours messages are linked to burnout and poorer health among university staff, with researchers urging firms to respect the right to disconnect.
Contract wording will decide whether builders absorb Covid-19 shutdown and isolation costs, with no automatic time extension if it is silent.
Auckland martial arts centre Oliver MMA faces a USD $12,000 fine, the first COVID-related penalty WorkSafe has issued under the traffic light system.
Christmas freight and passenger services face major disruption after KiwiRail’s chief executive quit amid looming nationwide strike action.
WorkSafe says directors face prosecution after a metal press left a worker with amputated fingers and exposed safety failings.
Businesses face fresh legal and workplace pressure as about 40% of New Zealand workers fall under new Covid-19 vaccine requirements.
Construction firms can now book priority jabs for essential workers, while employers weigh when vaccination can be required.
Mandates can curb infections, but they also risk bullying, staff losses and compensation claims when workers refuse vaccination.
Families of high-risk workers could face devastating gaps if more employers fail to offer Wills and estate planning.
Many external HR and safety consultants now need a Private Investigator licence to conduct workplace probes, or risk breaching the Act.
COVID-19 has accelerated remote-working and training risks as New Zealand’s workplace safety progress stalls and serious injuries rise.
Workers may be due a different day off this Christmas as Mondayisation shifts Saturday and Sunday public holidays depending on rosters.
