“Labour’s employment policy appears to be a genuine effort to address some practical issues,” Employers’ Federation CEO,
Steve Marshall said today. “And it appears to be reasonably fiscally responsible, with pilots to be undertaken of any
substantive new initiatives to see how they work.
“Much of the policy appears to be adjustments to meet identified practical concerns with existing programmes.
“Our primary concern with this policy is with the possible loosening of the employment focus in WINZ.
“It is also disappointing that Labour hasn’t taken this chance to remove another serious barrier to employers taking on
that one extra person by introducing a personal grievance - free probationary period. Britain’s Tony Blair has
regulations excluding access to personal grievances for the first 12 months of employment.
“While the way Government assists those currently unemployed is important, the best way to help improve employment
levels is to have policies that foster growth.
“It is a shame that the Labour’s industrial relations, ACC and taxation policies don’t take the same considered
approach. If those policies are introduced then this employment policy will be needed even more,” Mr. Marshall
concluded.
ends