The Government has finally provided further advice to businesses on the revised COVID-19 vaccine mandate rules.
Last week, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the plan to scrap mandates for all but a few industries from April 4 - leaving businesses confused about what that meant for them.
After saying last week further advice would soon become available, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood said on Wednesday the Government has now provided that updated guidance - published on the Employment New Zealand and WorkSafe websites.
"The new workplace guidance is centred on public health advice, which suggests that requiring vaccination in the workplace should only be permitted if it's deemed an employee is at higher risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 while at work than they would otherwise be in the community."
Wood said the advice is that some employers may be able to maintain vaccination requirements.
"The reason will need to be specific to their role and set of circumstances."
In the updated advice, Employment New Zealand said if someone's job was terminated and took effect while the Government mandate was in place - that decision remains.
"A former employee does not have a right to get their old job back, or any other role with their previous employer."
Wood said the Government anticipated a significant reduction in vaccine requirements for workers.
"Employers should regularly review their workplace health and safety risk assessments and there are a number of public health factors outlined in the guidance that is recommended they consider as part of this process.
"It is important for employers to keep in mind that normal employment law and processes continue to apply. Employers should be fair and reasonable in their employment decisions and work in good faith with employees and unions before taking any employment actions in relation to unvaccinated employees."
