The Government has set a significant agenda for 2022 on the employment front in addition to its Covid-19 challenges. What we know so far is;
- The Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill is expected to be enacted to establish a public holiday from 2022 to acknowledge Matariki. This Bill is still at Select Committee stage so is not yet law.
- The Government accepted the taskforce recommendations for making the Holidays Act clearer. MBIE are now drafting new legislation which is expected to be introduced into Parliament mid 2022 before it is progressed to Select Committee to allow for submissions. The new legislation is not expected to take effect until 2023 so current law continues to apply. A full summary of the proposed changes is available.
- Jacinda Ardern announced in her first parliamentary speech of the year promised to pass Fair Pay Agreements into law by the end of the year. This announcement comes after Business NZ announced in December that they were walking away from the process.
- The Government have announced its intention to progress an Income Insurance Scheme for access in the event of job losses and health conditions and disabilities. It is proposed that this would be funded by a new levy (tax) by employers and employees. MBIE have published a summary booklet with more information and how to have your say.
- The Bill to extend time off for people to raise a Personal Grievance involving allegations of sexual harassment from 90 days to 12 months is at First Reading.
The Bill for time off to attend Parent Teacher interviews was not passed. It may be further considered as part of the proposed new Holidays Act.
As updates are received we will provide further information. If you have any specific questions about how any of these proposals could affect your business get in touch with the Grow HR team.