Employers encouraged to have Integrity
Redundancy must follow a fair process- even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Karen Rutherford, manager of Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville, says volunteers and staff have been receiving lots of calls and emails from people whose employers are talking about redundancy.
“Understandably, many businesses are suffering because of the effects of Covid-19 on the economy - but this doesn’t mean employers can shortcut the redundancy process.”
Employers are legally obliged to discuss the situation with their employees in good faith.
”This means dealing with each other honestly and openly and without misleading each other. The employer must follow a fair process. That means discussing with their staff what the situation is and what the employer proposes to do about it, and genuinely considering feedback from staff about the proposals. Also, redundancy should be a last resort, after considering the Covid-19 Wage Subsidy and other assistance packages.”
Karen says if redundancy is unavoidable, the employer must give notice to the affected employees, in writing. If the notice period is not stated in the employment agreement then they must give reasonable notice.
“If you are an employee and your employer did not follow a fair process in making you redundant, you might have grounds for a personal grievance.”
Karen asks people to get in touch. “Let us help you work out what your rights are and what you can do. We are unable to provide a face to face service during Covid-19, but you can still contact us by phone or email. You can also call the national freephone 0800 367 222 or get help via virtual chat.”
Last year volunteers received around 500,000 enquiries on issues ranging from electricity, immigration, housing and employment to consumer rights, health and family.
Citizens Advice Bureaux is an independent community organisation offering a free, confidential and independent service of information, assistance and referral from 83 locations stretching from Northland to Invercargill.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.7% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.9% Critical thinking
-
29.6% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.8% Other - I will share below!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
