From Friday this week (1st July) you must have signed copies of employment agreements or terms and conditions of employment for ALL employees, including those who work part-time or are employed on a casual agreement.  The agreements must be signed by both parties before the person commences work!

If an agreement cannot be reached between an employer and employee, you must retain a copy of the intended agreement or terms and conditions of employment, and the steps you have taken to put an agreement in place.

If a labour inspector finds an employer who is not complying with the law they will give notice, if the matter is not remedied they can seek penalties of up to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for bodies corporate.

If a 90 day trial period is agreed to between the employer and employee it must be written in the employment agreement before the employment commences, it cannot be added later.

For copies of the Clubs New Zealand employment agreement please visit the resource room, the Department of Labour website www.dol.govt.nz has some fantastic resources to help employers put together employment agreements including

• Information on what an agreement must include
• Information on the 90 day Trial Period
• The Employment Agreement Builder
• Information on cashing up annual holidays

If you need any further advice on employment agreements please do not hesitate to contact National Office on 0800 4 CLUBS (0800 425 827)