Sick leave entitlements 'manifestly unfair' - Business owner

An Auckland business owner has described current sick leave entitlements as 'manifestly unfair', and said it is a significant burden in tough economic times. In 2021 minimum paid sick leave for workers went from five to 10 days, regardless of how often a person works. The government has confirmed it is changing the law to a pro rata system, or proportional leave; where sick day allowances will be different for part and full-time workers depending on how many hours or days they work. Entertainment business owner Kathy Aspden said her sick leave costs have increased 400% since the allowance doubled. Kathy Aspden spoke to Lisa Owen.