Employment

Chris has been counsel in over 120 decisions of the specialist employment institutions (Tribunal, Authority and Employment Court). Chris was lead counsel in a number of landmark decisions of the Employment Court.

What is covered by the term Employment Law?

Employment law covers a range of both contentious and non-contentious matters including employment disputes, restructuring, drafting of employment agreements, compliance, health and safety and human rights law. Eliminating the potential for disputes involves a consultative approach, an adherence to compliance and good communication.  The Employment Relations Authority encourages and requires mediation at the outset of any dispute in order to potentially eliminate the need for further legal action. Consequently, many employment disputes settle at mediation.  Should mediation be unsuccessful the matter advances to an Investigation Hearing and if no resolution is made at this stage, then to the Employment Court.

Employment in New Zealand is extensively regulated by a number of statutes and regulations with the common law playing a key part in defining rights and entitlements, particularly with respect to personal grievances involving unjustified dismissals and unjustified disadvantage claims.