Armstrong Thompson

Welcome to Armstrong Thompson, a specialist law firm located at Pipitea, Thorndon Quay, 1 in New Zealand. As an establishment, lawyer, and point of interest, we pride ourselves on providing expert representation for workers in need.

In these uncertain times, we understand that many of you may be facing challenges and have questions about your rights during the lockdown. At Armstrong Thompson, we specialize in addressing these concerns and have provided crucial information below. Our team is here to discuss any specific issues you may have.

Under the Employment Relations Act, workers' rights remain protected, regardless of whether their employer takes the wage subsidy. If an employer wishes to change rates of pay or hours of work, they must follow the proper processes. Failure to do so may result in a personal grievance against the employer.

It is important to note that despite the Level 4 lockdown, the Holidays Act still applies. In terms of annual leave, employers cannot require workers to take sick leave unless they or a family member are actually sick. This rule remains unchanged.

During the period when the wage subsidy is an option, redundancy may be difficult for an employer to justify. If the employer can keep the worker employed using the wage subsidy, redundancy should not be considered. In other words, employers seeking to make workers redundant must demonstrate that the wage subsidy would not make a difference to the viability of the business.

As always, employers proposing redundancies must follow a fair process, including any requirements outlined in the employment agreement.

Despite the current circumstances, ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) remains operational, along with Fairway Resolutions, which carries out review hearings. The District Court is also open for filing appeals against review decisions.

It is crucial for all ACC claimants who wish to challenge a decision from ACC or a review decision to comply with the relevant timeframes. This includes lodging a review application within 3 months and filing an appeal against a review decision within 28 days. These deadlines continue to apply.

ACC cover and entitlements are available to those who contract COVID-19 in the course of their work, provided their work places them at a significantly greater risk of contracting the virus. This would likely apply to workers such as medical staff, carers, and airline staff. Unfortunately, ACC cover is not available for individuals who contract the virus outside of their work.

When returning to work or continuing to attend work in an 'essential' business during the lockdown, employers must engage with workers to ensure their health risks are properly managed.

Armstrong Thompson is a specialist law firm with offices in Wellington and Tauranga, New Zealand. We specialize in accident compensation (ACC) law and also handle cases in health and safety law and employment law. Our dedicated staff understands that ACC, employment, and health and safety disputes can be distressing, and we work closely with you to resolve your issues with as little difficulty as possible. We are ready to represent you in ACC, employment, and health and safety law matters, no matter where in New Zealand you reside.

Our firm collaborates closely with unions on various issues, including ACC, employment disputes, contract drafting, and health and safety. We also provide assistance with investigations and support workers during interviews with regulators.

At Armstrong Thompson, we believe in providing clients with clear and practical advice. We understand that legal disputes can be stressful, so we strive to make the resolution process as transparent and stress-free as possible. We represent clients from all across New Zealand.

We are mindful that hiring a lawyer can be financially burdensome for those in disadvantaged positions. That's why Armstrong Thompson aims to keep our fees competitive. We are also registered legal aid providers, meaning we can offer legal services to those who are unable to fund their own case. Additionally, we have fee agreements with several unions throughout the country.

Choose Armstrong Thompson for expert legal representation, compassionate support, and a commitment to resolving your legal issues efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you.