With Christmas just around the corner – So too are the challenges businesses often face around holidays and annual leave. It can be a very daunting and confusing time for employers.

Here's a handful of top to help your business do things right leading into Christmas… And beyond!

• If you're closing down during the holiday season, you must give your staff at least 14 days notice when informing them about the closure.
• Leave entitlements generally apply after one year's service, so if someone has less than one year's service, they may need to make arrangements with you (e.g. take leave in advance or without pay).
• Accrued leave can be very costly for your business. Employees are legally entitled to cash up one week's leave each year. That means your business has to pay this out.
• It's really important to keep accurate leave records – All the time. Everyone must have a written employment contract or agreement.
• Holiday leave entitlements keep accruing during paid parental leave, 90 day trials and suspensions or investigations.

If you are unsure about holiday entitlements, contact our office and speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members.

Sourced from: Auckland Chamber of Commerce.