Earlier today, the Government declared a state of national emergency, pursuant to its powers under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. This is in addition to the Government ordering the close down for all non-essential businesses and services for a period of 4 weeks commencing on 11.59pm Wednesday, 25 March 2020. With these developments in mind, employers will naturally be wondering what their [...]
What is happening? Fears regarding the ripple effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), notably the potential for a recession and rising unemployment, have become a real concern in New Zealand. Particularly, as new unprecedented travel restrictions were recently put in place, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These came into effect on Monday 16th March at 1am. Any person from any country, excluding the [...]
Independent contractor or employee – what is the test? The distinction between the two categories of workers – employees and independent contractors – has long been fraught with uncertainty. Under the Employment Relations Act 2000 and other related legislation, such as the Minimum Wages Act 1983 and the Holidays Act 2003, employees have minimum employment rights, which independent contractors do not have. This means [...]