Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised. The Government is proposing changes in response to the results of a number of audits of businesses and to a series of Court cases where extensive lack of adherence to Employment law has been disclosed. The bill will come out mid year so it won't affect us until next year at the earliest - but they are proposing much more serious sanctions for those who don't follow the rules:
Jade is, unfortunately moving on, so we are looking for a new person, both to undertake HR advisory work and assist me with general administration and marketing.
My February-March Essential Update can be read here. It is significantly focused on the need to be pro-active in managing staff. Enjoy.
If your business is normally Monday to Friday then ANZAC Day affects you on Monday 27th, which should be treated as a public holiday for all staff.
You need to be aware of two recent developments in the Courts with regards to Trial periods - they don't make things easy - but that's the law:
The Consumer Price Index has fallen by 0.3% in the last quarter, so that the annual rate of inflation is now only 0.1%. But before you use this as evidence of "no need for pay increases for staff", you need to understand that excluding petrol the CPI increased 1.0% (and petrol prices have already reversed, so this is a more accurate figure). Also housing and household goods' prices increased 3.0% over the year, and Christchurch rental figure increases are 50% higher than average, up 1.2%.
Do you know a company that has had done some amazing things; had an amazing impact on its staff or the community; or in some way is just worth celebrating? The Annual Champion Canterbury Awards are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate good stuff. Check it out, put yourself forward or suggest it to someone else, and then join me at the Awards ceremony in September. Follow this link for details:
They changed the law on April 30th. And fundamentally if you treat your migrant workers as you do other workers - with at least their minimum rights - you will have no problems. The only difference being that you must ensure they have the correct, valid visa.
The Essential Update can be read here
A recent court case has highlighted a legislated reason for a personal grievance being able to be raised outside the 90-day limit. This is where there is no explanation of how to resolve employment relationship problems in the Employment Agreement.
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