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22The Government is seeking feedback on options for strengthening legal protections for contractors.
This discussion document presents our understanding of the issues facing vulnerable contractors in New Zealand, and eleven possible options for change. It seeks feedback from members of the public on these options.
PDF, 3MB, 62 pages
This interactive word document contains an information form and the 79 questions asked in the discussion document in an easy to follow format.
DOCX, 1.3MB, 17 pages
The Government wants to ensure that all workers in New Zealand have access to decent work with minimum standards and conditions. There are concerns that some contractors are vulnerable to poor outcomes, because they lack both the protections offered to employees by law, and the power to negotiate a better deal.
We are consulting the public on four groups of possible options for change. These options aim to:
We are keen to hear from anyone who is interested in this work or could be impacted by changes to the rights and protections of contractors in New Zealand. We would like you to tell us what you think the advantages, disadvantages and costs of these options might be, and how these options could be effectively designed and implemented to deliver better outcomes for people in New Zealand.
We encourage anyone with an interest in this area to make a written submission, or to complete our online survey.
Your feedback will help us develop a comprehensive response to the challenges faced by contractors in New Zealand.
Better protections for contractors: Consultation summary [PDF 644KB]
Better protections for contractors: Frequently asked questions [PDF 69KB]
Strengthening protections for vulnerable contractors – Approval to consult [PDF 1.9MB]
Strengthening protections for vulnerable contractors: Release of Consultation Document - Minute of Decision [PDF 208KB]
We are interested in hearing about your personal experience of working as a contractor and the changes you think Government should make to improve your working life. The online survey can be completed on a smartphone, tablet or computer and does not require you to have read the discussion document. It will take around 10 minutes to complete.
We have included a number of questions in the Better protections for contractors: Discussion document to highlight areas where we would like further input. We encourage you to use these questions as a guide when submitting your feedback.
The submission form template contains the questions from the discussion document, along with space for you to provide your answers. You do not need to complete every section – we welcome responses to some or all of the questions.
Please email written submissions to contractorsconsultation@mbie.govt.nz.
If you would prefer to submit a hard copy, please post these to:
Employment Standards Team
Labour and Immigration Policy
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
PO Box 1473
Wellington 6140
If you have any questions about the consultation or the submissions process, you are welcome to email these to contractorsconsultation@mbie.govt.nz.
The closing date for submissions is 14 February 2020.
After the consultation period closes, we will use your feedback to inform our advice to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety on final options for change. The Minister may then seek Cabinet agreement to his preferred options.
© Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/better-protections-for-contractors/
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