Firm guidelines stop human hurt

As Kiwis head to the beach and the baches over the coming weeks, it is time to take stock, spend time with family and perhaps think a little about work and business.

In 2016 we are lucky to live in a country with so many natural blessings and a low unemployment rate, which gives many of our citizens a decent standard of living. At the same time, sad news this week that the first person in New Zealand has been convicted of human trafficking, should be a warning we need to be constantly on our guard and protective of those less fortunate.

Auckland High Court heard that Fijian workers had been lured to New Zealand with false promises of high wages and working visas.

Rightly, BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope spoke out to condemn the practice on behalf of the business community.

‘‘Exploitative employment practices not only abuse workers, but also disadvantage hardworking firms doing the right thing and treating their employees properly. Immigration New Zealand’s investigation of this case has been appropriate and welcome,’’ said Hope.

We all want our businesses to be profitable and to have the manpower and skills required to grow, but as business needs become desperate, it can raise the risk of criminals taking advantage of workers looking for an income and a better life.

BusinessNZ recently headed an International Labour Organisation undertaking which produced international guidelines for fair recruitment, aimed at combating fraudulent and abusive recruitment practices leading to exploitation of workers. The guidelines require understandable terms and conditions being specified in employment agreements, voluntary agreement by employees and no confiscation of employees’ identity documents or employment contracts among other protections. These are to be welcomed.

(Sunday Business is taking a summer break and returns on January 22, 2017.)