Farmers Deka Protects Employee Rights

In what is believed to be a New Zealand retailing first, Farmers Deka Limited has unveiled an independent legal liability insurance programme specifically designed to protect employee rights.

Through a programme developed in conjunction with HIH Insurance, New Zealand’s largest commercial legal costs insurer, Farmers Deka employees can now access quality legal representation from renowned employment law specialists, Phillips Fox.

In making the announcement, Farmers Deka Managing Director, Wayne Walden drew attention to the company’s enviable employee relations’ record.

“We believe our employee relations policies are fair and effective and this is certainly reflected in our positive industrial relations record. However, no matter how just the policies, there will always be the occasional dispute which could benefit from independent professional assistance.

“And while legal liability insurance is easy enough for an employer to procure, what about the individual employee? We realised that fewer than 15 per cent of our 6000 employees have access to cheap, independent and professional legal advice when it comes to employment related matters.

“We explored insurance options and came up with a solution whereby our employees can enjoy the same degree of protection as the company itself. We have ensured that for a minimal cost, each Farmers Deka employee can have access to the best possible independent legal advice in the event of an employment related dispute,” Mr Walden said.

Before agreeing to underwrite the policy, HIH Insurance and Phillips Fox scrutinised the company’s employment grievance history. As a result of their positive findings, employee premiums have been set at the nominal sum of $1.00 per week plus GST.

“It was important to us that premiums were kept low enough to encourage maximum uptake of the policy. We believe this low-level premium will enable each and every one of our team members to have access to the best legal services available. And, we believe this will further reassure team members that Farmers Deka do have their best interests at heart,” Mr Walden said.

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For further information, please contact Farmers Deka Managing Director, Mr Wayne Walden, Phone (09) 272 6996.

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