Flexibility
Yes, a job applicant can always ask an employer about flexible working hours and, if these are granted, they will become part of the terms of employment if the applicant gets the job. From 1 July 2008 anyone with caring responsibilities employed for six months by the same employer is entitled to request a variation in working arrangements for caring purposes. An amendment to the Employment Relations Act will provide a process for making a request which the employer will then be required to consider. The employer can refuse the request only on one of the grounds set out in the Act and the employee can appeal the employer’s decision. For more details refer to:
www.ema.co.nz/advice/Flexible_work_guide.doc
The Human Rights Commission considers that flexible work arrangements are an important element in providing equal employment opportunities to groups who are often overlooked or marginalised, parents and carers in particular, see:
www.neon.org.nz/eeoissues/wlb/