Archive for 'Blog'

No tolerance for sexual harassment in the workplace

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Christmas parties are a great time to get into the holiday spirit. However, wise employers take care to minimise the risk of Christmas party antics that could get out of control. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is one type of misbehaviour that can be fuelled by alcohol and the excitement of the festive spirit, combined with an unfamiliar social environment outside the workplace.

There are many misconceptions about what constitutes sexual harassment. The cliché of an employer or manager making sexual advances or ...

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Buying and Selling a Property

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Owning your own home is an exciting step to make, but the process of getting there can be stressful and potentially risky if you are not well-informed and do not understand what is required of you. Similarly, selling your home requires an understanding of the steps you will need to take to make the sale process seamless as well as understanding your obligations as a seller to avoid any possible legal complications.

The following is a simple and basic guide of ...

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Buying or Selling a Business

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New Zealand is a country that has embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and this is evident in the endless amount of businesses established in various areas and the success of those businesses. Embarking in business is exciting but often the parties make rash decisions without being well-informed and either buy into a business that turns out to be less profitable or not as expected or sells a business when the time is not right or the process is not completed correctly. ...

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Confidentiality at risk

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In a culture of mass media, social media and oversharing, with ever increasing opportunities to communicate to the world thoughts and experiences of the day, traditional expectations around confidentiality and privacy are at risk of getting lost. Employers should not take it for granted that all employees acknowledge or understand what amounts to confidential information, or trade secrets, and the expectations around protecting this type of information.

The good faith obligation that underpins every employment relationship encompasses an implied duty of ...

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The race to the bottom – zero hour agreements

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Unions have been campaigning aggressively against “zero hour” agreements, and appear to be gaining political support to make such contracts illegal, or at least, to limit their use. Zero hour agreements have become common overseas following the global financial crisis. They are commonly used in sectors such as hospitality and retail as businesses attempt to secure a pool of workers, with minimal commitment and obligation to them. There has been an increasing creep in their use in New Zealand.

There are ...

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