Budget 2014
Budget 2014 was announced last Thursday and is widely viewed as careful and considered. The underlying message is that the economic outlook is reasonably positive, especially with activity from the Christchurch rebuild, but there are challenges – including upward pressure on nominal wages and a tight labour market.
From a people management perspective, two key things to note:
The extension of paid parental leave from 12 to 14 weeks from 1 April 2015 and to 16 weeks from 1 April 2016. The eligibility criteria have also been expanded. You will need to ensure they update the information you make available to staff intending to take parental leave once the changes kick in. Let us know if you need advice on your obligations regarding parental leave or if you need a parental leave package.
Also, for those of you desperate for staff, up to 1,000 existing beneficiaries in other regions will be assisted into full time work in the Christchurch/Ashburton/Hurunui region. Under the scheme, beneficiaries will be paid $3,000 to help them relocate if they get a full time job and stay off the benefit for at least 3 months. Employers will need to strictly adhere to their legal obligations in terms of the 90 day trial period to ensure they are in a position to ‘give people a go’ while minimising their risk.