Cabinet has turned down a request by some businesses to extend the nine-day fortnight scheme.
Papers obtained by Radio New Zealand News show a small number of firms sought a limited extension so they could retain staff.
The nine-day fortnight was introduced in March last year to assist companies if they cut working hours rather than making people redundant.
Prime Minister John Key says the scheme was designed as a temporary measure during the recession, and it's unlikely to be extended beyond its scheduled finishing date at the end of this year.
In all, 50 firms have taken part in the scheme, with agreements covering 4000 employees, saving more than 600 jobs.
Thirteen companies are still enrolled.
