Are you aware of the changes to the Employment Relations Act and Holidays Act passed by Parliament this week? Most changes come into effect on 1 April 2011.

Key changes to the Employment Relations Act include:
• extending the 90-day trial period to cover all businesses
• improving personal grievance processes
• the retention of employment agreements
• union access to workplaces
• the role and power of Labour Inspectors.

Key changes to the Holidays Act include:
• the option to cash-in up to one week of annual leave
• the option to agree to transfer the observance of public holidays
• proof of sickness or injury.