The Restaurant Association has welcomed the Government’s announcement of the next steps for reforming the Holidays Act.
“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing issues that have affected both employees and employers across the country” says Marisa Bidois, Chief Executive of the Restaurant Association.
"This news will come as a relief to many of our members who were engaged in targeted consultation on these reforms, and were strongly in favour of the hours-based accrual system proposed.”
Bidois said that the shift to an hours-based accrual system for sick and annual leave entitlements will provide greater flexibility within a simplified entitlement system, better reflecting the realities of modern-day employment relationships.
“One of the benefits of the hospitality industry is our ability to provide flexible working arrangements that work for both employers and employees, and these changes will better recognise work patterns that go beyond the standard 40-hour work week,” Bidois said.
“We look forward to ensuring that the legislation to be introduced is fit for purpose, and to supporting our industry in a smooth transition to the new system.”
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said the new Holidays Act would provide confidence and certainty to employers and employees
“Full-time and part-time workers will start earning annual and sick leave in direct proportion to the hours they work. Parents returning from parental leave will no longer be penalised with lower pay if they take annual leave, sick leave can be taken in hours to match real life, and employers will finally have certainty with straightforward rules they can understand and apply. This is a win for workers, a win for businesses, and a win for New Zealand,” the Minister said.
“We’re committed to fixing what matters, in this case we’re taking care of a broken system that has been too complicated for businesses and workers to navigate effectively.”
More news here.
