First sentence under the new H&S at Work Act
The 2015 Act has fined a company $100,000 for not having controls over a known risk. And the fine would have been $275,000 if the company could pay.
Archive: 2017
I aim to share short, informative posts on current developments and ideas in the HR space that are of practical use to employers and employees alike!
I want to make sure you always know what is happening in the world of human resources. Here I provide you with latest news and updates from Essential HR, as I identify them. This includes my own analyses, summaries of key legal developments month by month, and useful tips for your organisation.
No Work No Pay - can you do this?
It may be the weather; it may be unplanned absence, or it may simply be a lack of customers. If you wish to be able to not pay staff for time when they aren't needed you need to get your Agreements and processes right.
Pay Equity Update
Pay Equity issues are being raised politically. There's been no real development yet, and I will speak when it goes to Committee. Watch this space.
Availability Clauses
These are required under the last round of legislation if you want to be able to require someone to work at times only when you need them.
Bullying Becomes Bigger
Everyone is becoming more aware of bullying and its degrading impact. From people to the Courts. A recent case awarded total costs of $98,000! You don't need to bully to manage - it's time to learn the difference.
Staff Motivation – healthy staff are happy staff
In this article I set out four ideas for getting happier (and more productive) staff. Allowing rest, de-stressing, health checks and a good environment. Are you a chicken or an egg?
Wage Increases
Minimum Wage rates will increase by 3.2% on 1 April - going to $15.75 per hour. December CPI shows overall CPI increases over the past year at 1.3%. It's time to plan!
Employees, Contractors and Volunteers
MBIE are challenging whether volunteers and contractors are actually employees. They may be considered so more often than you think. You may contravene Immigration as well as Employment laws.
Interesting Court Cases
Can you move your business and force an employee to travel further? Just how much may the Courts fine if we just have a minor procedural flaw in a termination? Can you deduct from a final pay where the employee has not given any notice? ... for answers
Harmful Digital Communications
Harmful Digital Communications became a criminal offence in 2016. Be careful any online content you host does not allow for this.