Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
MP for Maungakiekie

01 April 2011 Media Statement

Maungakiekie businesses and employees will benefit from employment law changes

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga MP welcomes changes to Employment law, set to take effect on April 1, which will be good for the economy and people of Maungakiekie.

“National is focused on creating jobs and providing the right conditions for economic growth in Maungakiekie,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“Changes to the Holidays and Employment Relations acts, due to take effect on April 1, give greater certainty and flexibility at work for our local businesses and employees.

“The National-led Government has worked hard to produce an employment package that encourages employers to hire, reduces compliance costs, and gives employees greater choice with how they take their holidays.

“Key changes taking place include extending the 90 day trial period for new staff to all businesses.

“We want to see people in Maungakiekie in work. We want to make sure that employers have the confidence to take on new staff and to expand job opportunities for people who struggle to get work. That’s why we’re extended the 90-day trial period to all businesses,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Effective Fencing in Penrose offered a Fijian immigrant employment under the 90-day trial law and agreed to support his application for a work permit. Four months later he passed the trial and applied for permanent residency. Without the 90 day trial Effective Fencing said it wouldn’t have taken him and another employee in.

Further changes include allowing employees to negotiate the transfer of a public holiday to another day, improving pay calculation, and doubling the penalties for employers who don’t comply with the Holidays or Employment Relations acts.

“Along with encouraging employment growth, these changes bring great flexibility into local workplaces by allowing employees to make decisions on their holidays that suit their personal circumstances.

“This is one more step on the road to growing the economy, helping people in Maungakiekie find work, and encouraging employers to hire new staff.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media