Everyone
Early resolution
Early resolution is a free, impartial phone-based service that helps employers and employees resolve a workplace issue quickly and informally.
We are experiencing high demand for our service so it’s taking longer for our team to get in touch with applicants. We apologise for any inconvenience and are working through the requests as quickly as we can.
What is early resolution?
If you want to resolve a workplace issue before it becomes serious or needs a formal process, we offer a free, informal and impartial phone-based service for both Any person, whatever their age, who is employed by an employer to do any work for hire or reward under a ‘contract of service’ (commonly called an ‘employment agreement’). An individual or organisation that hires 1 or more employees and contracts them to work in exchange for wages or salary under a ‘contract of service’ (commonly called an ‘employment agreement’).
A free, phone-based service provided by Employment New Zealand, which works with employees and employers to help them resolve a problem quickly and informally before it gets more difficult to sort out.
- speaking confidentially with you and the other party to understand what has happened and what is important for each of you
- ensuring everyone is fully informed with relevant information
- arranging a discussion to explore the possibility of reaching a resolution
- helping to negotiate an agreed outcome
- referring you to a more suitable agency if required.
When early resolution can help
Early resolution can help with the following situations.
- You feel you have a relationship problem at work that could be resolved quickly with a little help from an independent facilitator.
- You feel you have been treated unfairly or are being bullied.
- Your working arrangements, hours, pay or leave have changed without you being consulted.
- You have health and safety concerns.
- Your employment has ended or may be ending through
restructuring ,Making changes that could affect employees’ jobs. Generally, a restructure occurs when an employer sells, transfers, or contracts out part of, or all its business. Employees in specified sectors (like cleaning or security) have extra rights in a restructure.
redundancy , orWhen an employee’s employment is terminated because their position has become surplus to the requirements of the business. Employers must follow a proper and fair process and consider redeployment options before making any positions redundant.
dismissal .When an employer removes an employee from their job, for example, as a result of misconduct or redundancy.
- You have concerns about your employee’s performance.
Early resolution may not be suitable in some circumstances for example:
- if the same issue has been, or is being, dealt with by a
mediator orA confidential and safe way for employers and employees to work through their issues and develop solutions with the help of an independent mediator. Mediation is usually voluntary, but in some cases can be directed by the Employment Relations Authority.
labour inspector , or if you have raised aA warranted employee of MBIE who ensures employment standards are met in the workplace. They can take enforcement action for non-compliance with employment standards.
personal grievance , then contact usAn action that an employee can take against a current or former employer when they have an employment issue they cannot resolve.
- if you are reporting migrant
exploitation , please use our migrant exploitation reporting formBehaviour that causes, or increases the risk of, material harm to the economic, social, physical or emotional wellbeing of a worker. This can include breaches of employment standards.
- if your case has been through the
Employment Relations Authority orThe tribunal established under the Employment Relations Act to resolve employment relationship problems.
Employment Court , then contact them.The court that hears and determines cases relating to employment disputes. It also hears challenges to determinations of the Employment Relations Authority and questions of interpretation of law. It has initial jurisdiction over matters like strikes and lockouts.
Your privacy with early resolution support
- The information you provide will be used by Employment New Zealand to help you resolve your issue. This could mean referring it to the Labour Inspectorate for potential breaches of minimum employment standards. We will not share your information outside Employment New Zealand, unless permitted by law.
- The information you provide will be treated as confidential, and in accordance with our statutory obligations including the Official Information Act and the Privacy Act. We will usually consult with you before releasing any of your information under these Acts. For further information, read our Privacy Policy.