The Government introduced Employment Standards Legislation Bill continues to progress through Parliament. While it was anticipated by many that employment contracts, which provide employees no guarantee of minimum weekly hours of work (‘zero-hour contracts’), would be banned under the new law, it is now expected that these arrangements will be permitted. The proposed law will however, require employers to offer employees “reasonable” compensation if they engage employees on zero-hour contracts. Other key changes include extending paid parental leave to more workers and increasing the flexibility of the scheme and strengthening enforcement of employment standards, including tougher sanctions. If the law is passed, it is scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2016. The Government has indicated that it will develop an information and education plan to inform employers and employees of the changes, before the new law comes into force.The latest amendments to the law can be read at http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2015/0053/latest/DLM6553716.html
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