Employers encouraged to have Integrity

Rani Timoti from Helensville Citizens Advice Bureau

Redundancy must follow a fair process- even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Karen Rutherford, manager of Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville, says volunteers and staff have been receiving lots of calls and emails from people whose employers are talking about redundancy.
“Understandably, many businesses are suffering because of the effects of Covid-19 on the economy - but this doesn’t mean employers can shortcut the redundancy process.”
Employers are legally obliged to discuss the situation with their employees in good faith.
”This means dealing with each other honestly and openly and without misleading each other. The employer must follow a fair process. That means discussing with their staff what the situation is and what the employer proposes to do about it, and genuinely considering feedback from staff about the proposals. Also, redundancy should be a last resort, after considering the Covid-19 Wage Subsidy and other assistance packages.”
Karen says if redundancy is unavoidable, the employer must give notice to the affected employees, in writing. If the notice period is not stated in the employment agreement then they must give reasonable notice.
“If you are an employee and your employer did not follow a fair process in making you redundant, you might have grounds for a personal grievance.”
Karen asks people to get in touch. “Let us help you work out what your rights are and what you can do. We are unable to provide a face to face service during Covid-19, but you can still contact us by phone or email. You can also call the national freephone 0800 367 222 or get help via virtual chat.”
Last year volunteers received around 500,000 enquiries on issues ranging from electricity, immigration, housing and employment to consumer rights, health and family.
Citizens Advice Bureaux is an independent community organisation offering a free, confidential and independent service of information, assistance and referral from 83 locations stretching from Northland to Invercargill.