Fears Modern Slavery Act will be ineffectual with a drop in labour inspectors

Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden says despite fewer inspectors, the stats are improving. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Labour Party and unions are questioning whether the Government will be able to enforce its proposed Modern Slavery Act and existing legislation, after a fall in the number of labour inspectors.

Data provided to Newstalk ZB show the number of fulltime-equivalent inspectors employed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has fallen from 86.1 to 75.8 since 2023.

The inspectors enforce minimum employment standards like minimum wage and paid leave entitlements.

The previous Labour Government wanted to increase the number to 110 during its last term.

Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden said more staff and funding doesn’t mean more efficiency.

“This Government believes the goal should be to show good value for money in Government services, not hire staff for the sake of it.”

She said there has been an 8% increase in timeliness.

The number of full time equivalent inspectors has fallen by more than 10 percent. Photo/Mark Mitchell

“In the 22/23 year, the percentage of investigations closed within 12 months was 88%, below timeliness targets. As of November 2025, it was 96% and had improved for the past two financial years after Labour left office.”

Labour Party workplace spokeswoman Jan Tinetti said the reduction in staff will mean the Government won’t be able to implement things like the proposed Modern Slavery Bill.

“We’re not going to be able to do much with that if there’s a reduction of those people who monitor that.”

Tinetti said some groups of people – like migrants – would be particularly at risk.

Labour Party workplace spokeswoman Jan Tinetti.

She said Labour was still working through its workplace policies, but said a strong inspectorate was essential.

Council of Trade Unions president Sandra Grey claimed the reduction in staff was just another “anti-worker move” by the Government.

“We need to make sure that there’s enforcement that works for companies and workers.”

Grey said it came alongside cuts to WorkSafe and a narrowing of the agency’s focus.

“What we’re seeing is the Government taking funding out of agencies which look after workers. We really need to see a change in that.”

Jacob Jones is a Newstalk ZB reporter working out of the Auckland newsroom. He has an interest in council and local government issues.