Albany Employment Lawyers For Employees

In the current economic climate, many employers are looking at how they manage their workforce. Some might want to restructure, others may reduce labour costs by not replacing employees who leave. There can be other scenarios too. Whichever, they can be scary times for employees. The staff generally do not understand employment law, in fact, lots of employers don’t either. Staff simply want to know they have a reasonable paycheck and a secure job. If your boss even hints at any form of change to workforce practices, consult one of the Albany employment lawyers for employees.

Below we look at three common situations where they can help.

1. Advice and Representation in Employment Disputes

Employment law is complicated. Even many bosses do not understand what it all means, or the processes that they must follow. As a result, if there is a dispute, the employer can often get things wrong.

Employment disputes can take many forms such as:

unfair dismissal,
unjustified disciplinary action,
workplace bullying and harassment,
discrimination, or
breaches of employment law.

If your employer makes any of the above, employment lawyers in Albany for employees can give you advice on the veracity of the employer’s claim and responsibilities. They will show you your rights according to the Employment Relations Act.

They can also explain what legal remedies are available to you. Again, these can be complex processes so having an expert on your side can make life much easier.

For example, your employment lawyer can provide essential guidelines on the process to undertake a personal grievance.

In other cases, mediation might be a better option.

Your lawyer can explain what you might face if you end up going to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) or Employment Court.

Employment lawyers can act as an advocate for employees in any and all of the various steps. These can be negotiations, mediation sessions, and formal hearings. Given the complexity of the procedures, having a trained employment law expert presenting and arguing your case can make a big difference.

2. Guidance on Employment Agreements

Every job in New Zealand should have a Job Description. Each employee must have an Employment Agreement. An Employment Agreement is the same concept as the old employment contract.

Employment agreements are the foundation of the employment relationship. They state the terms and conditions of employment, including duties which are included in the Job Description, work hours or times, wages or salary, payment frequency, any benefits, and termination procedures.

It is important that the employer has all of the requirements in the Employment Agreement. This is a binding contract so, as an employee, you want to make sure that it does not impinge your rights and what is due to you. Further, you want to make sure that you are protected under the law.

Therefore, before you sign the Employment Agreement, you need to have it reviewed by an Albany employment lawyer. This applies whether it is a new job offer, with either a new or existing employer, or a variation of your existing agreement.

The lawyer will make sure that it complies with current legal standards and is does not contain unfair or ambiguous clauses.

Many people think that having a lawyer review a job offer is only for senior roles but that isn’t the case. Anyone going into a role should get eh offer checked by one of the Abany employment lawyers.

3. Support with Workplace Restructuring and Redundancy

As outlined above, workplace restructuring and redundancy are common topics these days. Whether it is the economy, changes in technology, or an organisational restructuring, these changes to the workforce must be handled correctly.

This is especially the case where the employer is talking about redundancy. There is a well-defined process for this. If it is not followed correctly, it can cause even more distress and unfairness than already exists.

Redundancy is a stressful and uncertain experience for employees, especially in the current job market. Albany employment lawyers can advise employees on their rights during the restructuring and explain any entitlements for redundancy compensation. Other ways they can help include, requirements for consultation, opportunities for redeployment, and fair process requirements.

Lawyers can review the redundancy process used by the employer ensuring that it meets legal requirements and also challenge any unfair decisions. They can advise or negotiate exit packages and, if needed, represent employees in redundancy entitlement disputes.

Conclusion – Albany Employment Lawyers For Employees

Employment lawyers in Albany can be essential support for employees, providing expert services and advice in difficult and confusing times. If you are facing job challenges from your employer, talk to one of the Albany employment lawyers.

McVeagh Fleming has a team of Albany employment lawyers for employees. Click for more details.