Regardless of Covid-19 Alert levels, there are some essential rules that apply over the Easter and ANZAC holidays that affect employer obligations to their employees and the ability of shops to trade.
When do Easter and Anzac public holidays fall this year?
In 2021 the public holidays fall on these dates (all in April):
What are employee rights for working the upcoming public holidays?
Employees don’t have to agree to work on Good Friday, Easter Monday or Anzac Day, unless these conditions are met: these are days that the employee would have normally worked, and their employment contract says they have to work on the public holidays.
Easter holidays
In addition to the above, if your employee normally works on Fridays and/or Mondays and works on Good Friday - 2 April and/or Easter Monday – 5 April, they also have to be given a paid day in lieu for each of these days worked.
However, if your employee normally works on Fridays and/or Mondays and they don’t work on Good Friday – 2 April and/or Easter Monday – 5 April, they still have to be paid for the holidays.
Shop employees have the right to refuse to work on Easter Sunday (not a public holiday). This acknowledges that Easter Sunday is a day of special significance across New Zealand. Shops include retail stores, plus cafes, bars and restaurants that sell goods including food.
ANZAC day
This year, ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday, therefore it is Mondayised.
This is covered by these common scenarios:
Can businesses open during Easter and ANZAC holidays?
Shops cannot open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday or ANZAC Day (25 April) until 1pm. However, there are some exceptions:
These rules only apply to businesses that are shops as covered by the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990. Other businesses can open during the Easter and ANZAC holidays.
Local council Easter Sunday shop trading policies
For the full Employment New Zealand media release, go here.
For further information or assistance with navigating your employment law needs, please contact our Employment Team (Troy Wano and Jaye Atkin) on 06 768 3710.