Retail NZ urges review of 12.5% leave compensation rate
Updated
Updated · Inside Retail New Zealand · May 5
Retail NZ urges review of 12.5% leave compensation rate
10 articles · Updated · Inside Retail New Zealand · May 5
The industry group said the Employment Leave Bill's wider reforms would cut compliance burdens, but warned the proposed payment could raise wage costs for casual staff and permanent employees working extra hours.
Chief executive Carolyn Young said retailers, after years of tough economic conditions, rising costs and tight margins, may struggle to absorb the increase, risking business viability and discouraging flexible work arrangements.
Retail NZ supports plans to simplify and modernise leave entitlements, including accruing leave in hours, but wants the final law to balance employee protections with retailers' operating realities.
Will New Zealand's new leave law save businesses or cut pay for thousands of essential shift workers?
Is a proposed 12.5% leave payment fair compensation or a fatal blow to struggling Kiwi retailers?