Media release 20 August 2003

Work-life balance - one size won't fit all

Business NZ Executive Director Anne Knowles says the Government is to be commended for getting state agencies working together on the issue of work-life balance.

"Using an inter-agency group will help avoid duplication in this area," Ms Knowles said.

"However what's clear from many years of private sector experience is that such initiatives work only at the individual enterprise level. Any indication that the Government intends establishing policy on a one-size-fits-all basis would not be supported by business.

"It's acknowledged that this point is recognised in the Minister's statement, but in the absence of any formal private sector involvement, there is a concern that policy discussions of government officials may be used to justify a regime that impacts on the private sector, such as the four weeks' annual leave issue, rate and a half for work done on a public holiday, or paid parental leave.

"If so, business would register extreme concern."

ENDS

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