Unrecorded casual employment costs employer…

The Employment Relations Authority has upheld a personal grievance claim for unjustified dismissal, unpaid wages, unpaid sick leave, unpaid bereavement leave, unpaid holiday pay and compensation.

The employer claimed the employee was a casual but no employment agreement was ever signed and the employee worked regular hours, almost full time each week.

He was never paid any holiday pay, sick leave or bereavement leave and was short paid his wages.  He was also not paid the minimum wage.  Unpaid wages of $9,200 and compensation of $7,000 were ordered. 

The imposition of penalties for failure to pay minimum wages and keep proper records was deferred to see whether the employer complied with the orders made.

If you have any employee, you must have a signed written employment agreement.  Any casual employment must be clearly set out in the agreement.

 

Alan Knowsley