If it doesn't, they can't do this without you agreeing first. Parties must not act in a misleading or deceptive way. A very clear list of essential industries is available here. And is it just you or is it all staff? As we are now in the COVID-19 recovery phase, normal consultation processes should be followed for any workplace changes proposed during the COVID-19 recovery period. Don’t be taken advantage of. Make sure when you cough or sneeze cough and sneeze into your arm, use a tissue not your hand, and wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or using tissues. No. The following factsheets are currently available: Further down this page you can also find information on welfare and benefits and your physical and mental health during the pandemic. You are entitled to all money that is owed to – pay, annual leave, redundancy pay – if any is covered in your employment areement. Generally entitlements will include notice or pay in lieu of notice and possibly redundancy pay. Regular employment law still applies to all employment relationships – regardless of the circumstances that we find ourselves in. Any agreed change to the employment agreement should be recorded in writing. For example, if you’re only getting paid 80% of your regular income, you should only work 80% of your regular hours. If you are carrying on as an essential industry or if you are working from home, your employer still has to consider your health and safety and take every step possible. Guidance for Trade Unions as an essential service. Any changes made need to be agreed to by both parties. If your employer tries to make you take annual or sick leave make it clear that they cannot legally do so. People can check their eligibility and apply online on the Work and Income website. This needs to be discussed in good faith. If you do agree, it must be part of your signed, written employment agreement before you start work. If an employer has been placed into receivership the receiver will have responsibility for decisions on running the business and this includes handling the business’s employment relationships. Some contracts of employment contain a variation clause that can allow your employer to make changes to your contract. Only employers with fewer than 20 employees can do this. My hours were reduced in jan with the promise they would return when business improved and I could pick up more hours when another member of staff went on maternity leave, I agreed to this. If you want to reduce an employee’s pay based on performance, it is recommended that you undertake a performance review and implement a performance management policy first. However, if you are at home and not sick or caring for someone else, your employer can require you to work from home if that is possible. Yes, you must be paid for at least your guaranteed hours every pay period and any additional hours/overtime worked. These changes require additional good faith or other process arrangements, including consulting with employees and their representatives, providing time to respond to proposals and considering their comments. Good faith means that you and your employer, as well as your union, must be honest with each other and actively communicate. Not working because of a health condition or disability (includes no sick leave) –, The different costs for help with and what you can get –, Rent/board costs – Accommodation Supplement –. Before making a decision, which may result in employees losing their job, the employer must give the affected employees sufficient information to be able to understand the proposal and then give them a proper opportunity to comment. So you would have a right to continue being paid and an employer could not just terminate your employment because of COVID-19. Physical distancing – keep 2 metres away from other people when out shopping or outside of your home. The length of time for this change must be stated in the employment agreement variation. They can’t keep you working in any capacity. All about pay, hours at work, record keeping and what breaks employees are entitled to. Parties must be responsive and communicative. ), So you can’t be given a new working from home employment agreement. Employees can ask also to change their work arrangements, place, hours, or days. There will be cases in which workers may feel it appropriate to agree to changes (a variation) of their employment agreements to reduce wages or hours. Parties should discuss these matters and agree to arrangements in good faith. https://www.health.govt.nz/news-media/news-items/need-talk-free-phone-or-text-1737.