13 September 2012

Craig Foss’ $26m pay day mayday

The Government has spent an eye-watering $26m on the botched switch to a new system for paying teachers, says Labour’s Education spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta.

“The Associate Minister of Education Craig Foss doesn’t have a lot to do in the portfolio. But he has been responsible for the switch to Novopay, and it’s been an absolute disaster.

“It’s a matter of record that some teachers have been underpaid, while relief teachers have not been paid at all and sick days have been mucked up. Schools are struggling to sort the mess out, and it’s often taking more than an hour on the end of a phone waiting to get answers from Talent 2.

“So it is hard to believe that the Government has spent $25,973,299 on switching to Novopay, as confirmed by Craig Foss in answer to a Written Parliamentary Question.

“Craig Foss should explain just how it is that the Government can spend $26m on changing payroll systems, and still not get it right. It’s an embarrassment.

“Teachers work hard and they should be able to count on the Government to pay them on time and in full. It is not much to ask.

“Craig Foss should apologise to teachers. He gets a “not achieved” in change management,” says Nanaia Mahuta.

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