Possible Workplace Closures And Employee Absence

MEDIA RELEASE

23 June 2009
Plan Ahead For Possible Workplace Closures And Employee Absence

The Department of Labour is encouraging all employers and employees to talk to each other about what will happen if their workplace is shut or workers are forced to stay at home for reasons outside their control.

“With the current pandemic moving from the containment to the management stage, the likelihood of this pandemic causing a major shutdown of businesses is lessening. However, there is still the potential for significant numbers of workers falling ill at one time and it is a timely reminder that employers and employees need to be talking about what will happen when the situation occurs," says Acting Workplace Deputy Secretary Maarten Quivooy.

“Workplace closures can be very disruptive, both for employers and employees alike. But by planning ahead, options such as working from home can be put in place, minimising lost production. Employers also need to be prepared to overcome the challenges to their businesses if their workforce is badly affected by the flu.”

Mr Quivooy says that the Department of Labour has released information on its website about what will apply during periods where the workplace is shut or employees are forced to stay at home. But it is strongly recommending that employers and employees talk to each other and agree on what the appropriate approach is for their needs. Any agreement should be provided for in their employment agreements.

“It is not just a pandemic that employers and employees should think about but any situation which may close the business or force employees to stay at home, such as a civil defence emergency or poor weather conditions like the ice and snow recently experienced in the lower South Island,” says Mr Quivooy.

The Department’s advice on workplace closures and employees who are forced to stay at home can be found at: http://www.dol.govt.nz/initiatives/workplace/pandemic/index.asp

ENDS

© Scoop Media