On 1 April new changes to Employment Legislation came into law. Our website has been completely updated with this information.

It should be easier to find the information you need under these headings:

• Minimum employment rights
• Starting and hiring
• Holidays and leave
• Pay
• Solving problems
• Ending the employment relationship

Changes to Employment Agreements

From 1 July 2011, all employers will be required to:

• Retain a signed copy of the employment agreement or current signed terms and conditions of employment for all their employees; regardless of when your employees started
• Provide a copy of the agreement on request to their employees (including casual and fixed-term employees).

Labour Inspectors will be able to seek a penalty in the Employment Relations Authority where employers do not comply. Employers will be given written notice and have seven working days to fix the issue before they risk a financial penalty for breaching the law.