Employment
Growers back PM on NZers' poor work ethic
Orchardists and grape growers have backed up John Key's comments on the difficulties of getting beneficiaries into seasonal work.
Immigrant workers needed due to NZers' work ethic, drug use - PM
The Prime Minister has defended bringing in immigrants to do New Zealand jobs, even in low-skilled work like fruit picking. Audio
Immigrants needed as some Kiwis have bad work ethic, PM says
A Hawkes Bay apple grower is backing the Prime Minister's comments that immigrants are needed to fill jobs because too many locals are drug users or have a bad work ethic. Audio
Worker at motor inn not paid for three months
A Lewis Pass motor inn and cafe that failed to pay a migrant worker for three months' work has been ordered to pay almost $20,000.
Exports could be affected by horticulture worker shortage
New Zealand's exports could suffer if demand for horticulture workers isn't met, a primary industries training organisation says.
Pension age lift raises fears for Aussie workers
The Australian government's plan to raise the pension age has left some older jobseekers "terrified" of seeking work in a prejudicial environment.
Contracting bill faces opposition from employers
A Bill adding minimum wage requirements for contractors will only cause problems if it passes, the Employers and Manufacturers Association says.
Wine industry worker treatment 'putting sales in danger'
Serious breaches of employment standards among contractors operating in Marlborough vineyards are threatening the wine industry's reputation, says a labour inspector.
Statistician denies political interference over job seeker figures
The Government Statistician has been forced to defend her independence after claims there was political interference with the labour figures.
266 hairdressers given work visas
Of the 200,000 people issued work visas last year, 266 were hairdressers, 104 dairy farmers, 17 sales and marketing managers and 42 cafe managers. Opposition parties are outraged. Audio
Employers back overseas workers to get the job done
New Zealand companies would not fill vacancies if they did not recruit workers from overseas, an employment agency says.
Judge reserves decision over Ashburton WINZ shooting
Work and Income staff shot dead by Russell Tully would have had time to escape if the Ashburton office had "controlled" access, a WorkSafe lawyer has said.
Midwives fear pay will put people off joining profession
Midwifery will struggle to remain a viable career option for young people unless pay increases, some midwives say.
Fifty jobs on the line at MPI: 'Biosecurity could suffer'
Almost 50 jobs are on the line at the Ministry For Primary Industries, and a union fears that will compromise inspections and biosecurity responses.
Man dies after being trapped in potato picker
A Horowhenua man has died after being trapped in a potato picker.
Unions demand inquiry into labour-hire companies
Unions want an inquiry into labour-hire companies following revelations in Australia of exploitation and mistreatment of casual workers.
More than half of all beneficiaries owe Work and Income money
More than half of all beneficiaries now owe Work and Income money, and their debts have increased in every region over the last year.
Midwives agree to mediation on pay parity
Midwives have agreed to negotiate with the government over gender pay parity, just days out from a scheduled court case.
Grocery store to pay $53k for exploiting worker
A Wellington grocery store which exploited a migrant worker has been ordered to pay more than $53,000 in penalties and arrears.
Employers refuse to give pay rises because they 'can't afford them'
Employers are rejecting calls for higher wages, saying they can't afford to pay them.
