Media Release

17 December 2009

Casual workers have the same employment rights and entitlements as all other full-time New Zealand workers. But few casual workers know what they are entitled to, while many employers have a similar lack of knowledge.

So the Department of Labour is today launching an information campaign to raise awareness of their rights.

Casual workers are employees who work only when they are required. They do not have any guaranteed hours or income. The term ‘casual work’ is not defined in law, and this fact may be behind the lack of understanding of casual workers’ entitlements.

If you are a casual employee and you have been working for your boss for a year you are entitled to paid holidays,” says Tim Wake Group Manager for Workplace Information and Promotion at the Department of Labour. “If you have been working for six months or more you may be able to get sick leave if you are ill, or bereavement leave if there is a death in your family or whanau.”

Employers also need to know that casuals are entitled to holiday pay and sick pay, even though they may work irregular hours and days. The Department of Labour’s website has an online holidays calculator where employers and employees can check their entitlements. It can be found in the online tools section on www.dol.govt.nz

Casual employees should insist on having a written employment agreement, as written agreements ensure both bosses and workers are aware of their obligations and entitlements. If you want to design your own employment agreement go to the online tools section on www.dol.govt.nz

Mr Wake says casuals are more likely to be young, Maori or Pacific people, compared to the working population as a whole.

“These factors mean that casual workers are sometimes difficult to reach. The Department’s campaign will use internet advertising, direct mail and media targeted to relevant publications. Employers will be targeted through business networks and industry publications.”

Mr Wake says the campaign will encourage those seeking further information to check out casual employment information.

 

ENDS

For further information call 0274 422 141 or e-mail media@dol.govt.nz