Services
Employment & Workplace Law
Employment Lawyers Providing Practical Workplace Advice
We advise employers, employees and businesses on employment and workplace matters across Central Otago and throughout New Zealand.
Employment issues can arise quickly and can have significant legal and commercial consequences. Our role is to provide practical, timely advice to help clients manage risk, resolve disputes and make sound decisions in the workplace.
Overview
Employment and workplace law covers a wide range of issues, from agreements and disciplinary processes through to restructures, disputes and compliance obligations.
We advise on both day-to-day workplace issues and more complex employment disputes. Our approach is practical and commercially focused. We work with clients to resolve issues efficiently where possible, while protecting their legal position where formal processes are required.
We also advise on the employment aspects of business sales and purchases, restructures and changes to workplace arrangements.
Our Experience
We advise on a wide range of employment and workplace matters, including:
- Employment agreements
- Workplace policies and compliance
- Disciplinary and performance processes
- Personal grievances
- Redundancy and restructuring
- Discrimination and bullying issues
- Health and safety obligations
- Employment aspects of business sales and purchases
- Mediation and employment disputes
- Court and Authority proceedings
We act for both employers and employees, with a strong focus on clear advice and practical outcomes.
Employment agreements and workplace documentation
Clear and properly drafted employment documentation is essential.
We assist with:
- Drafting and reviewing employment agreements
- Independent contractor agreements
- Workplace policies and procedures
- Advice on restraint and confidentiality provisions
Disciplinary, performance and workplace issues
Problems in the workplace need to be handled carefully and in accordance with legal requirements.
We advise on:
- Disciplinary processes
- Performance management
- Investigations
- Bullying, harassment and discrimination issues
- Procedural fairness and employer obligations
Restructures, redundancies and change management
Changes to business operations can create significant employment risk if not handled correctly.
We assist with:
- Restructures and redundancy processes
- Consultation obligations
- Changes to roles and duties
- Managing risk during organisational change
Personal grievances and disputes
Where employment relationships break down, early advice is important.
We advise on:
- Personal grievances
- Unjustified dismissal and disadvantage claims
- Disputes involving wages, leave and entitlements
- Settlement negotiations and exit arrangements
- Mediation and dispute resolution
Health and safety
Health and safety remains a critical issue for businesses and organisations.
We advise on:
- Employer obligations under health and safety legislation
- Workplace health and safety compliance
- Risk management and practical legal obligations
- Employment issues arising from health and safety concerns
Business sales and purchases
Employment issues often arise as part of the sale or purchase of a business.
We assist with:
- Employment implications of business transactions
- Transfer of staff and restructuring issues
- Review of agreements and employment liabilities
- Advice during due diligence and transaction planning
Who We Act For
We act for:
- Employers and business owners
- Employees seeking advice on workplace issues
- Companies undergoing restructure or sale
- Rural, commercial and professional clients
- Clients involved in workplace disputes or mediation
Why Checketts McKay
We offer:
- Practical and commercially focused employment advice
- Strong experience in both advisory and dispute matters
- A clear understanding of workplace risk
- Support with both day-to-day and urgent employment issues
- Experienced representation in mediation and formal proceedings
Employment matters are often time-sensitive and can escalate quickly. Our role is to provide clear advice early and help clients navigate the issue with confidence.
