Zero hours proposals look workable

Zero hours proposals look workable

BusinessNZ says the Government’s proposals for zero hours contracts look workable.

The Government will include in forthcoming legislation the requirement that all employment contracts must include agreed hours.

The legislation will also ban practices such as making unreasonable wage deductions and restricting secondary employment.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says zero hours contracts are not used in the vast majority of workplaces and problems with their use are not widespread.

“Zero hours contracts and other forms of casual contracts that are agreed between the employer and employee can be very useful for both parties.

“In a few situations they have been controversial, and the Government is seeking to provide some protections in legislation.

“We have yet to see what form that protection might take, and business would reserve the right to comment on the draft legislation.

“Any legislation that eventuates should be even-handed in helping employees manage their employment conditions while still preserving business flexibility.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media