Nine-day fortnight numbers unclear

Air NZ is one company keen on the new nine-day working fortnight

The nine-day working fortnight begins at the end of this month, but it is unclear how many businesses will adopt it.

The scheme, where the Government pays workers $12.50 for five hours in their tenth work day, starts on March 27 and is estimated to cost the country $20 million.

It will apply to large companies at risk of having to make staff redundant. The workers will effectively have the day off and will not be required to undergo training as was previously mooted.

Business New Zealand says businesses are investigating how they can use the shorter fortnight to save jobs and businesses. Air New Zealand has indicated it may adopt the scheme.

But employment relations policy manager Paul Mackay says it is too early to say whether there will be a big uptake of the scheme. He says some employees have already taken the initiative, by opting for a four day week and the difference will be that they will now be subsidised by the Government for a lost day.

-NEWSTALK ZB