By Aimee Elia - 31 Mar 2021
There are several changes on the horizon that will change
employment relationships in New Zealand. The Government has
accepted 22 recommendations made by the Holidays Act Taskforce
which will be rolled out over the coming months. Other Labour Party
campaign policies such as Fair Pay Agreements, pay equity and
Living Wage guarantees are in various stages of implementation.
Martelli McKegg offers a snapshot of the changes below.
Minimum Wage
As of 1 April 2021, the adult minimum wage increases to
$20.00 per hour. Starting Out / Training minimum wage increases to
$16.00 an hour.
Sick Leave
Annual entitlements to sick leave will double from 5 to 10
days per year and new employees will accrue leave from their first
day of employment.
Bereavement Leave
As of 30 March 2021, men and women are entitled to take up
to three days' bereavement leave in the event of a miscarriage or
still-birth.
Matariki Holiday
Friday 24 June 2022 will be the first public holiday
celebrating Matariki in New Zealand.
Living Wage Guarantee
This is currently a voluntary scheme. Under the proposed
changes, the guarantee will be compulsory in the public sector.
This will include cleaners and security guards working in
government buildings such as the courts, police stations and WINZ
centres. The living wage is currently $22.10 per hour.
Leave entitlements
Changes to the Holidays Act 2003 are intended to make it
easier for employers to calculate leave entitlements. Employers
will also have to provide payslips which include holiday and leave
information.
Dependent Contractors
Consultation is being undertaken on proposed legislative
protections for vulnerable workers and dependent
contractors.