Royters

I've spent some time on the road this week and a topic that comes up over and over again with those in the business community is the extension of the 90-day trial provisions to all businesses. Those who are employers are overwhelmingly supportive of this move currently before parliament (Employment Relations amendment Bill (no 2)).

Most OECD countries already have similar trial period protection for employers as countries have realised that strict employment regulations actually prevent people from getting work. A recent survey of New Zealand employers found that 40 percent would have been unlikely to have made their last hire if it were not for the 90-day trial law. This shows the impact this law has had so far.

I’m delighted that Sir Roger Douglas has handed the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill over to me. It was originally drafted in my name but never pulled from the Private Members Ballot from 2005 – 2008. Sir Roger took it over when I became a Minister and has shephered it through it’s first reading in the House and at select committee.