Grievance Free Employment Period Fully Backed

Friday, April 26th, 2002

National's employment policy announced today reflects the need to make it easier to employ people, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

"Nobody in business wants another sea change in employment law," said Peter Tritt, EMA's Advisory Services Manager.

"The National Party seems to have taken note of what we've been saying on this.

"The risks associated mean many small business owners are reluctant to employ people. We've been suggesting a 90-day trial grievance-free period for some time and we're pleased to see it's in National's policy.

"This will prove a real incentive for employers to take the chance and employ someone because, if it doesn't work out then there's no comeback.

"Encouraging our small businesses to employ people and grow has long been recognised as the path for future growth in New Zealand, which is fundamentally a nation of small businesses.

"This is a small step towards the goal though a host of other compliance issues need addressing.

"We're also pleased National intends keeping the Employment Relations Act but redress the pro-union imbalances in the current law."

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