Three Month probation for new employees comes to New Zealand.
Up until now, when you start a job in New Zealand, your employer has no automatic right to get rid of you in the first three months if they don’t think you fit, or don’t think you do a good job.
Now, with a new Government in place and acting REALLY fast – the Employment Relations Amendment Act law they proposed has been passed.
The law brings New Zealand into line with many other countries – including the UK. While many Kiwis are shocked and horrified at the thought of a “you can be sacked without notice in 90 days” rule – I guess it’s something many of us are quite used to. It’s been touted by opponents as “ Hired by Christmas, fired by Easter” – but I have to say – I’ve never been fired from any job I’ve had – and they all had 3 month probation periods.
Change is coming thick and fast to New Zealand right now – so it pays to keep up to date if you are thinking of moving here.
But what does it mean for Migrants? Do you need to worry about it?
Other than any changes immigration may make to the rules – it really shouldn’t make much of a difference to you. Ok – so now you are able to lose your job within the first three months – whereas before – your new employer could not get rid of you if you failed to impress. But hey – you weren’t thinking of slacking off anyway were you?
What we do need to keep an eye out for is something that NZIS put on some visas – a Section 18a Condition. This is something you get if your application for residency involved a job offer. Section 18a says that you have to remain in the job for 3 months before your residency is finalised. I can see the new probation law could potentially cause a bit of a hiccup here. If the worst came to the worst – section 18a allows you to get another job of a similar nature – and because by then you will be in the country – you will find it a lot easier to pick up a new one.
So- keep checking the NZIS website for news. Don’t expect any soon, and honestly – don’t worry too much about it. So many things are changing so fast in New Zealand at the moment – and if you let it distract you from your dream – your head will explode.
Related posts:
- How to sponsor your family into New Zealand Part 2
- A Nine-Day Fortnight for New Zealand?
- Silver Fern Visa – don’t hold your breath.
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