To work in New Zealand, following the rules and regulations explained in the Employment Law of New Zealand is necessary. The employment law in New Zealand is a complex body that governs the relationship between employers and employees.
Employment law is essential as it protects employees' rights and sets minimum standards and prohibitions to work in the country. Employment law helps to ensure that all employees are kept safe while conducting their work and treated fairly by the people around them.
Employment law helps promote stable growth and productive workflow. Employers and employees must abide by employment law regarding their rights and obligations. These include four weeks of holiday a year, sick leave, a workplace free of discrimination, and responsibilities such as working per the work agreement.
Employment law abides by:
The New Zealand Employment law sets minimum employment rights for all employers must abide by:
- Minimum employment standards such as minimum wages, hours of work, and leave entitlements
- Discrimination and harassment
- Health and Safety
- Collective bargaining
- Ending employment
Types of Employment Law rules and regulations in New Zealand
Here are the types of employment rules in New Zealand:
Contract and terms of employment
For every type of employment agreement, it is necessary to put the agreement in writing, including at least the mandatory clauses. Whether the worker is permanent, temporary, or casual, a written statement of the job rules and regulations must be demonstrated. The employee must receive a statement of the remaining terms within one month of starting work.
The contract can cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Job title and duties
- Wages and hours of work
- Leave entitlements
- The employee's termination rights
- Other terms and conditions of employment
Employment agreement related to payment
The employer must pay at least the minimum wage. If the contract demonstrates the payment as pay per hour to work, it should be given. These include their right to at least the minimum wage and four weeks of annual holiday a year. The current minimum wage in the country is $23.15 per hour. Overtime pay is also included in this agreement.
There are different types of pay rates, such as:
- Wages and Penal rates
- Salary
- Commission
- Piece rates
- Working for accommodation
- Training Pay
Holiday and leave
All employees must be given at least:
- Each year, four weeks of the annual holiday
- Each year, up to 12 public holidays
- A paid alternative holiday, if worked on a public holiday
- Ten days of paid sick leave
- Bereavement leave
- Family violence leave
- Parental leave
Giving notice period
The employer must also keep records about the employee's employment history, such as when and for how long they worked with them and what wages were provided to them.
New Zealand employment law states that, according to the 30-day law, new employees must be employed under terms consistent with the collective agreement for the first 30 days if there is a collective agreement for their industry or occupation. After 30 days, the employer and employee may agree to more favorable terms.
Employee responsibilities
Employees in New Zealand have multiple rules under the employment law, such as:
- To fulfill their job duties
- To obey their employer's law
- To be communicative and open to the employers
- To take care of their employers
- To comply with health and safety requirements
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