New Zealand: Managers set tone of the workplace

Roger Sutton’s recent high-profile resignation from his position as chief executive at the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Agency has highlighted the issue of inappropriate conduct in the workplace, and how some behaviour, even unintentionally, can be offensive and unwelcome to others at work.

WorkSafe NZ, in the guidelines it issued earlier this year on workplace bullying, commented that it is prevalent in New Zealand workplaces and needs to be addressed. Allegations of harassment at work also […]

By | November 26th, 2014 ||

UK: New Judgment: Holiday Pay Must Now Include Overtime Payments

Does this affect my business?   Yes – it does if you pay any of your workers overtime or other allowances that could be classed as “normal” pay.

What counts as “overtime”? Overtime includes compulsory overtime, and ‘non-guaranteed’ overtime which the employer was not obliged to provide, but which the worker was contractually obliged to do.  (‘Voluntary’ overtime was not considered but may next be in the firing line).

Do I have to include overtime in holiday […]

By | November 25th, 2014 ||

Canada: Understanding Vacation Entitlements In Ontario

Vacation pay and vacation time are two separate issues in Ontario. Most employees are entitled to vacation pay, which must be at least four per cent of the employee’s gross wages earned in the 12-month vacation entitlement year, whether or not they take the vacation time. Employees cannot give up their entitlement to vacation pay.

Vacation pay must generally be paid to the employee in a lump sum before the vacation begins; on each pay […]

By | November 25th, 2014 ||