July 14, 2016

Growers must ensure contract labour services are compliant

New Zealand’s apple and pear leader says growers engaging contractors to supply labour must ensure that they are compliant with employment standards.

Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard said the horticultural industry has worked extremely hard over the past decade to earn a reputation as a good employer and will not tolerate those who break the law.

Mr Pollard said the prosecution of a contractor by MBIE sent a message to all growers about upholding good employment behavior and standards for the industry.

“Any grower who engages a contractor for supplying labour must ensure the service is fully compliant.”

Mr Pollard said the industry had made a significant commitment and investment over the years to become a leading employer in the primary sector.

“As an industry it is critical that we all take a leading role in ensuring we protect our workforce and uphold good employment standards”.

Mr Pollard said the industry fully supported the Ministry’s good work in taking this case through to prosecution and in ensuring that all employers are aware of their compliance obligations.

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