The New Zealand Government has estimated that up to 70,000 people could be made redundant in New Zealand as a result of the current economic climate.

What Financial Support are you eligible for if you were made redundant?

Employer redundancy payments - New Zealand companies are not obliged to provide financial compensation to employees that are made redundant, however some companies voluntarily provide a redundancy payment (check if this is written into you employment contract).

You are legally entitled to be paid for all accrued paid annual leave in the event that you are made redundant.

What support do I get from the Government?

Unemployment benefit - You may not be eligible for the unemployment benefit if your household income exceeds $534 per week before tax. (for more information visit www.winz.govt.nz).

You may still be able to receive the unemployment benefit if you are receiving a redundancy benefit through insurance depending on WINZ assessment of your situation.

Accommodation Supplement - To work out how much accommodation supplement you maybe entitled to visit www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz.

Am I eligible for Redundancy Cover?

If you are employed or self employed (i.e. contracted in paid employment for more than 20 hours per week) then you are eligible for redundancy cover.

What does redundancy cover provide?

An agreed monthly payment, payable for up to six months in the event that you are made redundant.