December 2018 Update
15 December 2018
December 2018 update
This is our last newsletter for 2018. Thank you for your ongoing support and for all the calls and emails to ask questions or simply talk things through, we love hearing from you so please continue to be in touch.
Employment Relations Act changes
We have been waiting for detail on changes to the Employment Relations Act introduced by the coalition Government. Last week they passed their third reading in Parliament, most of the changes will come into force on 6 May 2019.
In brief:
- The 90-day trial period will be restricted to employers with fewer than 20 employees.
- Changes to sections relating to the continuity of employment if an employee’s work is affected by restructuring.
- Restoring prescribed rest and meal breaks with a limited exception for workers in essential services.
- Reinstatement will be restored as the primary remedy for unjustified dismissal. (Comes into force the day after royal assent).
Further protection for employees in vulnerable industries. (Comes into force the day after royal assent).
Take time to breathe
Christmas is fast approaching, and we would like to encourage you all to take a deep breath. Love it or hate it, Christmas causes stress. Staff might feel the pressure and place unrealistic expectations on themselves which affects their performance or behaviour. As an employer you may need to be more understanding towards staff and pick your battles. Although it is tempting to try to tidy up all outstanding issues before year end, it may not be realistic. Employers are always judged by their actions and whether these are deemed to be fair and reasonable at the time, so count to ten and give us a call.
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10 June 2026
Privacy updates and training
Due to recent changes, this month we wish to remind you of the update to the Privacy Act 2020 with a new principle called the Information Privacy Principle 3A (IPP3A). For practices’, the new principle means there are additional notification obligations when receiving personal information about a patient from a third party. Under IPP3A, if your practice receives patient information from another provider (such as a lab, hospital, specialist, pharmacy or ACC), you must take reasonable steps to let the patient know their information has been collected. This change applies to any information collected on or after 1st May 2026.
15 May 2026
Welcome Winter!
Winter is on the way, and with it usually comes the usual run of coughs, colds, and other bugs. Most practices will already have their usual measures in place but now is a good time to reinforce the basics and lead by example, particularly when it comes to staying home if you’re unwell. It is also a good time to check that expectations around leave, sick leave and wellbeing are clear heading into winter.
16 April 2026
Easing fuel and living-cost pressures, in practice
While we cannot control the wider economic environment, making clear, practical decisions in response to the current economic pressures can ease the load on our practice and our staff. Rising fuel prices and the broader cost-of-living pressure are not only having financial implications, they are also impacting how we feel about normal day-to-day ‘necessities’, which may be affecting stress levels and causing rising anxiety for some. It is important to focus on what we can change – how we can make small adjustments to support staff, reduce avoidable stress and keep the practice functioning well. own.
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