Nats Employment Changes Will Hurt – Not Help – Workers

Alliance Party media release

John Key's attempt to sell the 90 day trial period as an act of kindness to "help" the jobless into work should be treated with contempt, says the Alliance Party.

Alliance Party co-leader Kay Murray says extending the 90 day "fire at will" laws to all businesses will hurt – not help – workers.

She says employers are seeking the best candidate for the job regardless of whether they were employing them on a trial period or not.

Official Department of Labour evaluations of the first year of 90 day "fire at will" periods shows that most employers were not interested in using the trial period to employ "disadvantaged" workers.

Ms Murray says that following revelations that 22% of workers employed on trial periods have been dismissed, every worker should be very wary of changing jobs.

"Changing jobs can mean major upheaval and expense, for example relocating to another city. But under the new laws it is likely that new employees of all businesses have about a one in five chance of of ending up out of work and out of pocket."

She says the Government's own research shows some employers wanting longer trial periods of up to eight months.

Ms Murray says once the National Government extends its 90 day "fire at will" period to large businesses, it won't be long before the "trial period" extends out further and further.

The Alliance urges all people to give the National Government the clear message that New Zealanders do not want the 90 day "fire at will" period extended to large businesses.

The Alliance supports the complete repeal of any "fire at will" laws and supports a workers right to fair process and job security.

ENDS

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