Ira Consulting Limited

11/05/2022

It always pays to get sound employment advice before terminating an employee or after being terminated by your employer.

Even if you think it may be justified, there is the potential that it isn't as this example shows. Employment law is not straightforward and can be very costly, so not something to tackle without representation. To see a full copy of this determination https://www.employment.govt.nz/determination/view/17925

Employees - you have 90 days from your termination to challenge it.

Employers - you don't have to rush this process so my advice is 'Don't'. Get advice first.

We provide a free assessment to help Employers and Employees to understand what process and implications of each option/action is available to you. Call us.
https://iraconsulting.co.nz/

A Taupō bar and restaurant worker was unjustifiably dismissed by her employer.

14/03/2022

Here’s a guide to help you work out when you, and your Household Contacts, can leave self-isolation.

From Saturday 12 March, people who have tested positive will not need to isolate again for 3 months after they have recovered, as the risk of reinfection is very low during this time. Everyone else in the household, who hasn't previously tested positive, will need to isolate again if they test positive or become Household Contacts of a new positive case.

You can find more information here for:
- Positive cases: https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/if-you-have-covid-19/
- Household Contacts: https://covid19.govt.nz/testing-and-tracing/contact-tracing/household-contacts/
- How to self-isolate: https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/how-to-self-isolate/

Some Household Contacts who are critical workers may still be able to go to work through the Close Contact Exemption Scheme, provided they meet the criteria here: https://covid19.govt.nz/testing-and-tracing/contact-tracing/critical-workers/ -contact-exemption-scheme

02/03/2022

How much is too much for rapid antigen tests?

08/10/2021

Click here to find Covid-19 Vaccination sites.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to search for 'walk-in' vaccination sites.

COVID-19 Vaccination Find up-to-date information about providers and services offered. From 1 September 2021 everyone in New Zealand aged 12 and over is eligible to be vaccinated. See what is in your region and check the services' details for hours and how to access. Browse by Region Bay of Plenty ...

02/10/2021

Free employment assessments.

We can discuss any issues you may be having at work and advise on the best way forward, and at no cost!

We are employment law specialists who provide a free initial assessment of any issue you have at work and advise on what options are available to you.

This service is free and strictly confidential whether you choose to progress your matter or not.

A resolution may be just a call or letter away if you want to resolve issues.

Employees have 90 days to raise an issue with their employer, employer's save money if they manage to get ahead of issues before they receive a personal grievance.

Big or small, call to discuss your situation. There is a solution available that will suit you. It won't go away but may get worse if you ignore it.

Talk soon 👍

Ira White
Ira Consulting Ltd
Mobile 021 1178 355

About Us We are employment law specialists. We cover all aspects of the employment relationship from the very beginning through to the end. We are based in Hawke’s Bay but provide comprehensive services to both employees & employers nationally. We work remotely in most situations which saves you b...

18/08/2021

Guidance for employees, employers and businesses.

18/08/2021

I have received several enquiries today from employees who have been informed by their employer that they have to use their annual leave during this lockdown. This is Not correct.

The COVID-19 wage subsidies are available to all employer's who have/will experience a drop of 40% revenue to access as from 0900 on Friday 20 August 2021. This is for full-time and part time employees and will cover level 4 and level 3 lockdowns.

Employer's can NOT force employees to use their annual leave balance or to take leave in advance, nor can they do either of these actions without discussing and gaining agreement from their employees first.

If however, employees agree to use their annual leave to top up these subsidies, ensure that you get this in writing and signed by the employee before doing so.

Feel free to contact if still unsure.
Text Ira on 021 1178 355

17/08/2021

Wage subssidies will be open on a Friday $600 per full-time and $359 per part-time employee, payable in 3 days.

The COVID-19 resurgence support payment will also be reinstated, allowing businesses to get up to $1500, plus an extra $400 per employee up to a maximum of 50 full-time employees.

The COVID-19 resurgence support payment will also be reinstated.

26/07/2021

Sick Leave Entitlement Increase to 10 days - 24 July 2021

Under the current Holidays Act 2003, employees are entitled to sick leave once they have worked with the same employer for six months. This includes employees who have worked continuously as well as those who have worked an average of at least 10 hours per week, including at least one hour a week or 40 hours a month.

The Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Act 2021 came into effect on 24 July 2021.

From 24 July 2021, minimum sick leave entitlements will increase from 5 to 10 days. Employees will get the extra 5 days when they reach their next entitlement date after 24 July, either after reaching 6 months’ employment or on their sick leave entitlement anniversary (12 months after they were last entitled to sick leave).

Businesses should make sure they are ready for the change by being aware of their obligations and ensuring their payroll systems are up to date. (provided by MBIE)

Other key aspects of minimum sick leave rights remain the same:

Employees can still accumulate up to 20 days of unused sick leave. This means employees can now carry over up to 10 days of unused sick leave each year instead of 15.

The employer and employee can agree to more sick leave rights than the legal minimums. For example, give unlimited sick leave, or the option to accrue all unused sick leave.

Employees who have already agreed to 10 or more days of sick leave per year in their employment agreement will see no change.

For more details about sick leave entitlements and examples go to the following website (https://www.employment.govt.nz/about/news-and-updates/sick-leave-increasing-to-10-days-are-you-ready-for-the-change/)

The minimum sick leave entitlement is increasing from 5 to 10 days per year from 24 July 2021. Employees will get the extra five days at their next entitlement date.

12/11/2020

Free Employment Agreement Builder

All employees require a written agreement.

Good employment relationships start with an open and honest discussion around the expectations of the role and the working conditions, and these need to be reflected in the agreement.

A well-written employment agreement helps the employee and employer to know what is expected from them and what they’re entitled to.

This reduces misunderstandings and complications leading to employment relationship disputes, disciplinary processes and personal grievances.

There is no excuse not to have all your employees on agreements, the risks of not doing so are high. There are a few agreements out there that are appalling, they do not align with the current legislation which renders specific clauses invalid. This is specifically true with regard to the 90 day trial periods and employee deductions.

There is a FREE Employment Agreement builder available on the Business.govt.nz website.

https://eab.business.govt.nz/employmentagreementbuilder/startscreen/

Its never too late to get organised.

Creating an employment agreement is an important step when hiring staff. This tool guides you through the steps to create an agreement for a new employee.