The Girl with the Straightened Hair
A couple of jokes with a side of jest in the workplace is usually acceptable. We all like to think we know what the appropriate limits are when it comes to interacting with others at the office, but that’s not to say that it never goes too far. And if you do misjudge what is appropriate, there can be some pretty big consequences.
Cancelling shifts - what you need to know
Those of you who work shifts or organise them will need to understand recent changes made to the Employment Relations Act.
There is now a specific provision relating to the “cancellation of shifts”.
One Garlic Naan with a side of Exploitation please
I very recently took the plunge and attempted to extend my culinary repertoire to include Indian-style curry. I have always enjoyed a curry, even if only on a European-spicy butter chicken level. Until now I had never been brave enough to try and make one myself for fear that my dinner would be completely inedible. This fear, combined with a long ingrained mentality of hating to waste food, means I have a tendency to live off nachos. Turns out simply adding coconut water and some spices to anything makes it delicious.
Relief Carers Not Homeworkers
Last year a full bench of the Employment Court released a decision which fundamentally changed the landscape of some 27,000 relief carers in New Zealand. As things stood prior to the decision this significant work force had no employment rights and received what can only be described as inadequate compensation for the work they did. For example providing relief care for a full 24 hour period gleaned a relief carer a mere $75.00 from the Carer Support Scheme Fund; which itself is financed by the Ministry of Health and District Health Boards. That equates to approximately $3.00 an hour; well below the minimum wage.
Trial and probationary periods - know the difference
It’s unfortunate but all too common: small employers continue to make mistakes that cost them dearly.
A recent case saw a Mr L. start working for a couple that were running a bee keeping business. The couple believed they employed Mr L. as a trainee bee keeper but Mr L. said he was employed as a labourer. After nine weeks the couple dismissed Mr L. on the basis that he was unsuitable to work as a bee keeper. Just like that.
