Mike Johnson
Posts by Mike Johnson for Keeping you posted
Changes to Working Visa Requirements
From 28 August anyone employing staff on work visas in the Skilled Migrant or Essential Skills categories may find what has worked in the past may not do so now.
Getting people Back to Work
How long does it take to get someone back to work after a longer-term accident/illness? Make it quicker by using a Return to Work Plan.
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.
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.