Holidays Act 'a shambles,' says EMA exec, citing 'complex' legislation that leaves businesses struggling
Employers across New Zealand have welcomed the government's plans to introduce reforms on the Holidays Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Alan McDonald, head of advocacy at the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA), said the complexity of workplace relations legislation over the past years is not serving employers and employees well.
"The Holidays Act, for example, is a shambles. The act is so complex that businesses struggle to understand their obligations, resulting in miscalculations and unintentional errors," he said in a statement.
"That is why we strongly support the minister's commitment to ensuring the changes to the Holidays Act are workable and are an improvement on the status quo."
Workplace safety legislation
Businesses also hailed the government's plan to simplify workplace health and safety legislation.
McDonald underscored that one of its problems is the "overly complex system of compliance that hasn't delivered any meaningful change."
"A review of our health and safety framework is required so that we are creating a system that is not just about ticking boxes but is focussed on creating an environment that keeps workers safe," he said.
The simplification of health and safety regulation will also make it easier for employers and employees to understand how to keep themselves safe, according to Business NZ.
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"We welcome the public consultation to come," Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope said in a statement.
Unions concerned about reforms
One union, however, said it was "particularly concerning" that the government wants to review workplace safety laws.
"New Zealand has an appalling health and safety record, with approximately 17 workers killed as a consequence of their work every week. Every 15 minutes a worker suffers an injury that requires more than a week away from work," said Rachel Mackintosh, acting president of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU), in a statement.
The union also called back to the Pike River Mine disaster in 2010, where a methane explosion took the lives of 29 miners and led to occupational safety laws and the establishment of WorkSafe New Zealand.
"The lessons from Pike River tell us that we need stronger health and safety law, not lighter touch regulation. Nobody gains from that," Mackintosh said.