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Businesses can not force employees to take annual leave during the isolation period, authorities say.
The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) has accused some employers of bad behaviour in the face of the Covid-19 crisis.
Richard Wagstaff Photo: supplied
One of the complaints is that employers are compelling staff to use sick leave or annual leave to cover the Level 4 isolation period that begins at midnight Wednesday 25 March.
"Working people expect to be treated fairly at all times and especially in times of crisis. Some employers are behaving badly, others are quite frankly behaving unlawfully, CTU President, Richard Wagstaff said in a media statement.
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said people must take sick leave if they are sick and can not work, but employees could not be forced to take annual leave during the isolation period.
There is a government wage subsidy currently in force for affected businesses and employees.
Read more about the Covid-19 coronavirus:
- See all RNZ Covid-19 news
- What the Level 4 lockdown will mean
- Government clarifies essential services during lockdown
- Covid-19 alert system: What you need to know
- Covid-19 symptoms: What they are and how they make you feel
- Touching your Face: Why do we do it and how to stop
- Scientific hand-washing advice to avoid infection
- Coronavirus: A glossary of terms
