"The Government's admitted the Employment Relations Bill is flawed - and will support National's changes to exclude real estate agents and sharemilkers from dependent contractor provisions," Opposition Industrial Relations spokesperson Max Bradford said today.

"When the Bill was released National raised with Federated Farmers and the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand concerns that the employment status of sharemilkers and real estate agents could be turned upside down with the new provisions covering independent contractors.

"They have been extremely worried that the Bill turns them into employees.

"I have been working on behalf of real estate agents and sharemilkers to try to get the Bill changed so it does not over-ride the two laws covering them.

"The Minister of Labour has just responded - and admits the Government has made a mistake with the Bill.

"Mrs Wilson supports National's argument that neither real estate agents nor sharemilkers should be hit by the changes to independent contractors.

"This is a victory for all those real estate agents and sharemilkers who faced major fears about their futures and how they would go about earning a living.

"I am pleased the Government has agreed to change the legislation. The question still remains as to what happens to other self-employed and contractor groups. National is continuing to pursue their interests."

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