We represent employers and employees in employment disputes in New Zealand. All employees have rights under the Employment Relations Act 2000. This blog discusses common and relevant issues in New Zealand employment law.
The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) issued an updated practice note on costs. The daily tariff remains $4,500 for the first day and $3,500 for subsequent days, with adjustments up or down based on the circumstances.
Employers are often shocked that even when they win in the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), recovering actual legal spend from an employee is usually limited. The starting point is the ERA daily tariff and costs are a contribution, not an indemnity.
Employers beware of high employment lawyer fees when defending a personal grievance claim. Even if you win, recovering your actual legal spend in the ERA is usually limited by the daily tariff approach.
When an employee is successful in the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), the employee can seek a contribution to costs. Costs can be uplifted above the daily tariff where employer conduct increases time and expense.
Constructive dismissal (resignation) personal grievance law. If your employer is pushing you to resign, get advice first. In many cases, do not resign.
Resignation letter templates for (1) an amicable resignation and (2) a constructive dismissal resignation. If you might later raise a Personal Grievance, the wording and timing matters.
If a casual employee is unfairly dismissed by their employer during a period of casual engagement, the employee can bring an unjustified dismissal personal grievance. "Casual" does not mean "no rights".
NZ 90-day trial period law explained. If the trial clause or notice is defective, you may still raise a Personal Grievance (PG) for unjustified dismissal. Check common mistakes.
