How Many Days Bereavement Leave Nz

In New Zealand, there is no specific statutory provision for bereavement leave. However, the Employment Relations Act 2000 (‘ERA’) allows employers to give their employees reasonable time off work due to the death of an immediate family member. The amount of bereavement leave that is given is up to the employer’s discretion, although any request for bereavement leave should be treated sympathetically and reasonably. Additionally, the Employment Relations Authority (‘ERA’) have identified a range of factors which employers should consider when deciding how many days bereavement leave should be granted.In New Zealand, employees are entitled to up to three days of bereavement leave in the event of a death of an immediate family member.

NZ Bereavement Leave Entitlement by Employment Status

In New Zealand, the entitlement for bereavement leave is determined by the employment status of an employee. Generally, permanent and fixed-term employees are entitled to three days’ paid bereavement leave on the death of certain family members or whānau. This entitlement is in addition to any other leave that the employee may be entitled to.

Casual and seasonal employees are not usually entitled to bereavement leave, but employers may choose to offer it as part of an employment agreement. Similarly, self-employed people are not covered by bereavement leave provisions, but again, some employers may choose to offer it as part of an employment agreement.

Employees who take bereavement leave are entitled to receive their usual daily pay rate for the time that they are away from work. If they have worked for their employer for six months or more they may also be eligible for compassionate leave payments from Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ).

It is important to note that employees must provide their employer with proof that a family member or whānau has died before taking paid bereavement leave. This proof must include a copy of the death certificate or other official documents indicating the death has occurred.

Eligibility Requirements for Bereavement Leave in NZ

In New Zealand, employees who have been employed for a minimum period of 6 months are eligible to take bereavement leave if there is a death in their immediate family. Immediate family includes parents, grandparents, children, siblings, spouses/partners and anyone else who is part of the employee’s immediate household.

The amount of bereavement leave an employee can take depends on the circumstances of the death and how close the relationship was between the deceased and the employee. For example, if a spouse or partner has died, an employee can take up to three days off work with pay. If a parent or grandparent has died, they can take up to one day off with pay.

In some cases, employees may be able to access additional paid or unpaid leave at their employer’s discretion. This could include time off to arrange funerals or travel to attend funerals. Employees may also be able to access compassionate leave if they are caring for sick family members who are not part of their immediate family.

Employers must provide employees with enough time to grieve without fear of dismissal or repercussion. Employers should also provide support and understanding during this difficult time. Employers should ensure that all employees are aware of their rights when it comes to bereavement leave and any other forms of leave available in New Zealand.