Changes are afoot that will help employers and employees better understand their obligations and holiday and leave entitlements.
Improvements to the Holidays Act mean if you’re an eligible employee (someone with an ongoing job and agreed hours) you’ll soon be entitled to bereavement and family violence leave from your first day of employment. You’ll also be able to start accruing sick leave from that date too.
As an employee you will be able to take your annual holidays on a pro-rata basis instead of having to wait until your 12-month anniversary date. And bereavement leave is set to expand too - up to three days leave for additional types of family members.
These changes and others will help improve the high degree of uncertainty around the Holidays Act that has long made it difficult for employers to understand and implement.