National yet to decide on redundancy bill support

National is yet to decide whether it will support a Labour MP's bill which would require redundancy payments for laid off workers.

The Greens, Maori Party and unions were backing the Redundancy Protection Bill, which provides minimum notice and redundancy compensation for people who lose their jobs, its author, Labour MP Darien Fenton said.

"The need for a fair and decent system of redundancy protection is becoming increasingly urgent as more people lose their jobs across New Zealand," said Fenton.

"We're seeing hundreds of people lose their jobs every week, including many with no or little redundancy pay, and that's leaving people struggling to pay their mortgages and support their families."

Prime Minister John Key said National MPs had yet to meet to discuss the bill.

"So, at this point I can't comment except to acknowledge that yes it's been drawn and we'll discuss it," Key said.

Fenton said the bill would ensure those laid off had a financial buffer while they looked for a new job.

"Redundancy protection legislation is urgently needed and this campaign is about letting the voting public know that this is the Government's chance to do something positive to help every working New Zealander get through the recession."

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union's national secretary Andrew Little said many workers had redundancy agreements, but there many employers who did not do the right thing.

Fenton's bill was drawn from the ballot but she had delayed its progress while seeking support.

Members' bills progress slowly and rarely succeed without the support of the Government.

- NZPA