Employment breaks bill set to become law

A parliamentary select committee has recommended a bill putting workers' rights to rest and meal breaks and infant feeding breaks into law.

When the bill was introduced, Labour Minister Trevor Mallard said there were no statutory requirements for meal and rest breaks, although entitlements were in most collective agreements.

Mallard said breastfeeding was a vital health issue and employers would have to provide appropriate facilities and breaks for employees who wanted to breastfeed or express breast milk while they were at work.

A code of practice would guide employers on how to meet their obligations.

The industrial relations select committee recommended the bill be passed with a number of small amendments.

Under the provisions in the bill for meal and rest breaks, employees would be entitled to a minimum of:

* One 10-minute rest break if they have worked between two and four hours;

* One 10-minute rest break and one 30-minute meal break if they have worked between four and six hours; and

* Two 10-minute rest breaks and one 30-minute meal break if they have worked between six and eight hours.

One of the amendments ensured that workers with greater entitlements for breaks did not lose them as a result of the new law.

- NZPA