Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right Sanam Ahmadzadeh Salmani

What if I told you that getting your employment agreements wrong could cost you $20,000? And what if I told you that you might be making this mistake right now? Welcome to another eye-opening episode, where we delve into the critical topic of hours of work and why it's essential to get it right.
Join Sanam as she uncovers the often misunderstood and unspoken rules surrounding minimum and maximum work hours. From the surprising findings on websites to real-life cases that highlight the costly consequences of non-compliance, this episode is packed with valuable insights for employers and HR professionals. 
We'll explore:
The importance of specifying hours of work in employment agreements.
Key sections of the Employment Relations Act and the Minimum Wage Act.
Real-life cases and their implications.
Best practices for setting and managing work hours.
Tips for avoiding legal pitfalls when considering hours of work.
Whether you're an employer, HR professional, or just curious about employment law, this episode provides the essential knowledge you need to ensure compliance. Tune in to learn how to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your employment agreements are robust and clear.
Secure your spot and unlock Law Lenz perks! CLICK HERE!
Subscribe and follow Law Lenz for your regular legal fix! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. 
Resources:
Minimum Wage Act - Section 11B
Employment Relations Act - Agreed Hours of Work s 67
Employment NZ - Hours of Work
Pick Hawke's Bay ERA Case
H4M ERA Case
Abhisek Quality Foods ERA Case
Letter of Variation Law Lenz Episode
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Under New Zealand employment law, employees have the right to bring a support person or representative to meetings. This person can be anyone the employee chooses, such as a friend, family member, union representative, lawyer, or even a trusted colleague. With a support person's role going beyond just being a silent observer, there is confusion around what a support person can and cannot do. 
This episode aims to clarify common misconceptions and provide practical advice for both employees and employers. Join host Sanam as she discusses tips to ensure that the presence of a support person doesn’t disrupt the meeting's purpose.
This episode covers:
When to offer a support person
How much time to give employees to find a support person
What a support person can and cannot do in a meeting
Tips for navigating meetings with support persons
Packed with practical tips and insights, this episode equips you to handle potentially stressful situations with confidence. Don't miss out – tune in and gain valuable insights to protect your rights in the workplace!
Secure your spot and unlock Law Lenz perks! CLICK HERE!
Subscribe and follow Law Lenz for your regular legal fix! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. 
Resources:
Employment NZ - Informal Actions
Mark Donovan - Is a support person allowed to speak?
LegalVision - What is the role of a support person in disciplinary meetings?
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Juggling leave requests can be tricky, especially when employees request to cash out their annual leave instead of taking a vacation. This can be due to various reasons, such as financial needs, sending money home, or saving for a larger future trip.
While it's important to encourage breaks to prevent burnout and boost productivity, accommodating these requests can leave HR professionals and employers with a dilemma. This episode of Law Lenz dives into the Holidays Act in New Zealand to navigate the legalities surrounding cashing up annual leave. Host Sanam unpacks the how-tos and legalities for both employers and employees, ensuring everyone is on the same page when it comes to cashing up leave.
This episode covers:
The specific provisions in the Holidays Act that allow for cashing up annual leave.
Detailed information on the legal requirements and procedures for both requesting and processing these payouts.
Practical tips for employers on handling multiple requests and maintaining compliance.
Important "don'ts" for employers to avoid potential legal pitfalls.
Whether you're an employer unsure about handling such requests or an employee contemplating cashing up your leave, this episode provides all the information you need to navigate this complex issue confidently.
Secure your spot and unlock Law Lenz perks! CLICK HERE!
Come along to the Frog Recruitment session - Register HERE!
Subscribe and follow Law Lenz for your regular legal fix! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights.
Got questions like today? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out other 'Unpack the Holidays Act' episodes:
Unpack the Holidays Act: Is the Public Holiday An Otherwise Working Day
Unpack the Holidays Act: Can I Decline An Annual Leave Request
Unpack the Holidays Act: Transferring Public Holidays with Ease
Resources:
Holidays Act - Section 28A
Employment NZ - Cashing up annual holidays
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Changing existing terms in an employment agreement can be confusing. Have you ever found yourself wondering whether to issue a brand new employment agreement or if variation letter will do? Lately, this question has been popping up more frequently among both employers and employees. So it's time to shed some light on the matter.
In this episode host, Sanam, clarifies the difference between a variation letter and a new employment agreement, helping you choose the right approach. Starting with a brief overview to understand the fundamental rule against unilateral changes and the requirement of mutual agreement. The episode then moves on to discuss when a letter of variation should be used and when a new agreement is more appropriate.
Whether you're an employer seeking clarity on the best course of action for your business or an employee eager to understand your rights, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights.
Tune in to unlock the secrets when considering a variation to the terms of employment and empower yourself with the tools needed to navigate this complex terrain with confidence.
Secure your spot and unlock Law Lenz perks! CLICK HERE!
Subscribe and follow Law Lenz for your regular legal fix! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights.
Got questions like today? Send them our way, and we will feature them in our next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out last weeks' episode:
Everything You Need to Know About Good Faith
Resources:
Legal Vision - Employment Agreement Changes
Business.govt - Letter of Variation Template
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

The foundation of a healthy work environment is a strong relationship built on trust and mutual respect. This concept extends to legal protections as well, with the duty of good faith acting as a core principle in employment law.
But what exactly does good faith entail, and how can employers and employees ensure they're upholding their obligations? The practical implications of good faith can be elusive and broad. Drawing from years of experience in advisory roles, host Sanam shares insights and practical tips to help both employers and employees navigate this essential aspect of New Zealand employment law.
From its foundational importance to the legal obligations outlined in the Employment Relations Act, Sanam breaks down the three key elements of good faith. Through anecdotes and real-world examples, understand how breaches of good faith can occur and the repercussions they entail.
This episode covers:
What is good faith?
Good faith and collective bargaining
Why good faith matters and why you should care 
Practical tips for the workplace and when navigating good faith
Tune into the episode to see how a duty of good faith is not just about legal compliance; good faith is the cornerstone of a productive and harmonious work environment.
Secure your spot and unlock Law Lenz perks! CLICK HERE!
Subscribe and follow Law Lenz for your regular legal fix! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights.
Got questions like today? Send them our way, and we will feature them in our next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Resources:
Employment Relations Act - Section 4 Good Faith
Employment NZ - Good Faith
Employment NZ - Collective Bargaining and Good Faith
Legal Vision - What Does the Good Faith Obligation Mean in New Zealand?
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

With recent government announcements aiming to cut costs by 1.5 billion dollars, many New Zealand public sector agencies are facing the possibility of redundancies. This has led to a rise in voluntary redundancies being offered to employees. But what exactly are voluntary redundancies, and what rights do you have as an employee in this situation?
In this “Ask Law Lenz” segment, join Sanam as she offers invaluable insights and answers a listener’s questions surrounding voluntary redundancy. Specifically, this episode tackles three key questions:
What benefits and rights do employees have in a voluntary redundancy?
How does a voluntary redundancy severance package work?
Does my employer have any obligation to offer me additional benefits?
Drawing examples from recent announcements and public sector changes, Sanam takes a deep dive into how these redundancies impacts both employers and employees.
This episode covers:
What voluntary redundancy is and how it works
The process for voluntary redundancy
How to decide whether to take voluntary redundancy
Knowing if an employer should offer voluntary redundancies
What severance packages typically look like in voluntary redundancy situations
Throughout the episode, Sanam provides practical information for employees considering voluntary redundancy and employers navigating workforce restructuring.
With an eye on legalities and practical considerations, Law Lenz equips you with essential knowledge to navigate this challenging environment.
Subscribe to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE and secure your spot TODAY!
Subscribe and follow Law Lenz for your regular legal fix! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights.
Got questions like today? Send them our way, and we will feature them in our next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Resources:
Workplace Change Selection Process - Employment New Zealand
Voluntary Redundancy - LegalVision New Zealand
Public Service Job Cuts: What Ministries Are Proposing - Stuff
MSD Cuts 200 Staff Through Voluntary Redundancies - The Press
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.