Running a hospitality business can be hard. If you break down what needs to be done on a day to day basis to get the doors open, and keep them open, there’s a long list to make sure your operation works smoothly, makes a profit, is sustainable as a business, and continues to provide the creative and enjoyable work life most of us entered the industry for.

There are several areas that can trip up operators along the way, from financial challenges, to navigating legal and regulatory systems, managing your workforce, and more. New owners, as well as experienced operators, can sometimes lack the training or experience to be experts in these areas, and at times key areas can be overlooked —until they become pressing issues that are difficult to resolve.

In 2023, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) received over 2,000 applications relating to employment disputes, often requiring mediation. The five most common disputes include:

1. Personal Grievances: Often these involve claims of unjustifiable dismissal or disadvantage.
2. Arrears: Disputes over unpaid wages with employees claiming when an employer has to meet payment for agreed hours or pay conditions.
3. Breach of Legislation: These often result from situations where requisite wage and holiday pay standards have not been met.
4. Breach of Good Faith: Often a situation where communication has broken down leading to a breach of trust.
5. Breach of the Terms of an Employment Agreement

Need help?
This is where the Restaurant Association comes in. The Association was created for the exclusive purpose of supporting its members as a collective, so you can focus on your business and concentrate on doing what you love. Our helpline and resources are designed to help hospitality businesses stay compliant with New Zealand law and avoid the common disputes listed above. Our team of legally trained specialists is here to guide you through employment law requirements and ensure correct procedures are followed. If a dispute does arise, we support our members in reaching the best outcome, including representing them in mediations. With us, you’re supported every step of the way.

Recently the Association released an online Health and Safety Programme, designed to provide essential guidance and support for hospitality businesses. This programme offers a comprehensive package of information, policies, and tools to help businesses comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the recent amendments outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Act 2023.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 marked a significant shift in New Zealand's approach to workplace safety, emphasising the responsibility of everyone to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. The Restaurant Association’s programme is designed to help hospitality businesses, and your teams, navigate these obligations and create a safer workplace.

“The goal of this programme is not just to provide a checklist but to offer a complete health and safety workplace policy tailored to the hospitality industry," says Marisa Bidois, Restaurant Association CEO. "We aim to break down complex information into understandable and relatable content, with industry-specific examples and practical tools.”

The programme has been created with the support of WorkSafe and emphasises the importance of understanding legal requirements and actively managing health and safety responsibilities. Under the Act, business owners and directors can be held liable for failing to ensure a safe workplace, so the programme provides businesses with the necessary resources to comply with these regulations effectively, tailored for the hospitality industry, giving assurance and support in this often-overlooked area of business.

For more information about the Restaurant Association’s Health and Safety Programme, pricing or to enrol, visit hosposafe restaurantnz co nz