Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 3, 2020
The New Zealand government has issued fresh instructions on Easter Sunday trading.
Easter Sunday this year will be on April 12, 2020 and in view of the Covid-19 Alert 4 lockdown, supermarkets are allowed to be open for business but what can be traded forms a part of a notification issued by the Ministry of Business, Investment and Employment (MBIE) this afternoon.
But all establishments must close on Good Friday on April 10, 2020.
“Goods for sale must be food, drink, a household item, a personal item or something that people must reasonably be able to buy at any time. The amount of goods for sale is no more than what meets demands of those who live nearby. Under the Sale of Liquor Act, supermarkets cannot sell or supply liquor on Easter Sunday,” the notification said.
The MBIE note said that If an employee works on a public holiday, they must be paid at least time-and-a-half for the time worked. Also, if the public holiday falls on a day they would normally work, then the employee also gets an alternative paid holiday (day in lieu).
“Easter Sunday is not a public holiday, so employees will not be entitled to pay and half and day in lieu. All shop employees have the right to refuse to work on Easter Sunday and they don’t have to give their employer a reason for refusing. Employers can offer employees extra pay if they want to get more people to volunteer. If an employee thinks they have been compelled to work on Easter Sunday by their employer, or treated adversely because they have chosen not to work, they can take a personal grievance against the employer,” the notification said.
Complying with Employment Law
Employers would still have to comply with minimum employment legislation and employee entitlements on Easter Monday (April 13, 2020).
“Under Alert Level 4, the Labour Inspectorate will not be taking proactive enforcement action against supermarkets who trade on Easter Sunday. However, workers who are compelled to work on Easter Sunday can get in touch with the Inspectorate, who will then consider enforcement action,” the MBIE notification said.
About Indian supermarkets, superettes
In a fresh clarification today, the Ministry said that all supermarkets and dairies are considered essential services. A supermarket’s primary focus is selling food products, and is a retail store operating on a self-service basis, selling groceries, fresh produce, meat, bakery and dairy products, and sometimes an assortment of non-food goods.
“So, Indian supermarkets can be considered essential services, and may remain open. We expect businesses to take a conservative approach in the interests of public health. We are committed to reducing the movement of people and to reduce the transition of COVID-19. We expect businesses to minimise personal interactions between staff and customers and ensure appropriate health and safety measures are in place,” the Ministry communication said.
If the size of the store is similar to a dairy, it must operate a one-in-one-out rule. The store may not supply cooked food and beverages.
The poster to be displayed at these stores has been published in this article,
All businesses currently considered essential must understand that rules and regulations are subject to change. They should therefore constantly seek updates at https://covid19.govt.nz/
