Kia Kaha New Zealand – We can do this

Back again with the Covid comms, and what the levels mean for you and your workplace.

WebsiteThumbnailCovidBlog.png

As you will be aware by now all of New Zealand is back in level 4 lockdown from today; Auckland and the Coromandel region for 7 days and the rest of the country for 3 days, at this stage.

For a refresher on what level 4 means, in general:

  • Everyone is to stay at home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement

  • Safe recreational activity is allowed in your local area, for example going for walks or taking your children out on their scooters for some fresh air

  • Travel is severely limited

  • All gatherings cancelled and all public venues closed

  • Businesses are closed except for essential services such as; supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, petrol stations and lifeline utilities

  • Educational facilities closed

Find out more about Alert Level 4 Here

Payment of Staff

We appreciate that paying your staff will be on the forefront of you minds, particularly for those who are unable to operate and work from home under Alert Level 4 or are operating at reduced capacity.

Although this is a difficult time for all businesses, you are still required to meet your obligations relating to consulting with Employees regarding any changes to their terms and conditions. Make sure to check in with your team and keep up the communication; be open and honest about where you are at, consult on next steps, and be fair in your approach.

Wage Subsidy

Eligible employers across New Zealand can apply for the wage subsidy scheme if they expect a loss of 40 per cent revenue due to the lockdown. More details on this will be released today and we will update you as these come through.

In light of the Privacy Act it’s important that you ask your employees for permission before applying for the wage subsidy.

The amount of the subsidy has increased to reflect increases in wages, $600 a week for each full-time employee retained (20 hours a week or more) and approximately $359 for part time employees, for a two-week period.

Businesses can also apply for the resurgence support payment if they incur a loss of 30 per cent in revenue. This is different from the wage subsidy scheme and can be used for other costs businesses have.

Applications for the wage subsidy scheme will open on Friday, with payments likely within three days of applying.

Inland Revenue will open the resurgence support scheme as soon as possible.

We will share more information regarding eligibility and how to apply for these schemes once this information is available.

Click here to read further information and FAQs around the Wage Subsidy.

Wellness

It is super important during this time to be aware of how you and your team are feeling – It is okay not to be okay, and we are here for you!

The following are also some tools that you may find useful, everyone is different so it’s about finding what is right for you:

• Tough Talk – awesome mental health website for males, check out the video series: www.toughtalk.nz

• Mindfulness apps – Calm and Headspace are great free apps to share with your team

• Podcasts – if you are a podcast listener, check out Brene Brown Unlocking Us series, The Anxiety Guy Podcast, Ten percent Happier with Dan Harris

• Free advice lines, when you need to chat to someone experienced: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/helplines

Our team are all working remotely and are available to support you during this time – you can reach us on 0800 HR FOR U. Stay safe and well, we can do this.

People Passion