Over-reaction not warranted

Sensible adjustment in a couple of areas of employment law don’t warrant over-reaction, says BusinessNZ.

Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says employment trial periods are simply good workplace practice and are used around the world.

“If the Government intends to extend these consistently across all New Zealand business, this would benefit employees and employers alike.

“More people are now getting a chance to gain employment in smaller firms. If the policy is extended, we can expect to see many more employed in larger firms also.”

Mr O’Reilly said he was waiting to see what the Government would announce on Sunday, and cautioned against over-reaction to suggestions that union access rules might be adjusted.

“If the Government intends to bring union access rules more in line with other countries, this would be a perfectly standard, ordinary approach.

“Reasonable access rights by agreement with the employer are the way the world works.

“Adjustments to our employment law as suggested - to improve job prospects and employment relations - would be a positive, not negative, prospect for everyone concerned.”