Medical Incapacity Support for Employees in New Zealand

At Employee First NZ, we understand the challenges employees face when dealing with medical incapacity. Our state-of-the-art AI assistance* is available anytime, anywhere, to provide preliminary guidance and support, ensuring you feel empowered and informed during difficult times. Whether you're navigating health-related challenges or seeking clarity on your workplace rights, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

What is Medical Incapacity?

Medical incapacity occurs when an employee is unable to perform their job due to illness or injury. This can be a stressful and uncertain time, leaving employees worried about job security and financial stability. Employers, too, face challenges in managing workloads while ensuring fair treatment. At Employee First NZ, we provide expert guidance to help employees understand their options and navigate this complex situation with confidence.

What Are Your Rights?

As an employee in New Zealand, you have specific rights when facing medical incapacity. Employers must follow a fair and reasonable process before making decisions about your employment. Your rights include:

• Access to a fair process: Employers must investigate your medical situation transparently, ensuring it’s not treated as a disciplinary matter. This includes obtaining objective medical advice, such as a doctor’s report, to assess your recovery timeline and ability to return to work.

• Privacy of medical information: You are not obligated to share medical details unless specified in your employment agreement, and even then, you can decline. Employers must base decisions on available information.

• Consideration of alternatives: Employers should explore options like part-time work, light duties, or rehabilitation support to help you stay employed.

• Support under the Accident Compensation Act 2001: If you’re on long-term accident compensation (ACC), employers have obligations to assist with vocational rehabilitation, whether the injury is work-related or not. This may include providing alternative duties or supporting your return to work.

• Entitlement to sick leave: Your employer must consider your paid and unpaid sick leave entitlements before making decisions.

• Protection from unfair dismissal: Any decision to end employment must be based on reasonable grounds, such as the nature of your role, the size of the organisation, and the impact of your absence.

You can use Employee First NZ’s cutting-edge AI assistance* to provide preliminary advice on your rights, helping you understand your position and prepare for discussions with your employer.

How Employee First NZ Can Assist You

At Employee First NZ, we’re dedicated to supporting employees facing medical incapacity with our innovative AI-driven solutions. Our services are designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate workplace challenges. Here’s how we can help:

• Instant guidance: Our state-of-the-art assistance* is available 24/7, offering preliminary advice specific to your situation. Whether you’re unsure about your rights or need help understanding your employment agreement, we are here to provide clear, actionable insights.

• Clarity on your options: We help you understand the processes involved in medical incapacity, including what to expect during employer investigations and how to approach discussions about rehabilitation or alternative duties.

• Support for ACC-related matters: If you’re on long-term accident compensation, we can guide you on your employer’s obligations under the Accident Compensation Act 2001, ensuring you’re informed about vocational rehabilitation and workplace support.

• Preparation for next steps: We are here to help you prepare for meetings with your employer, providing guidance on how to present your case and explore alternatives to dismissal, such as part-time work or light duties.

• Lead generation for professional support: While our AI assistance* offers preliminary advice, Employee First NZ provide hands-on assistance for complex situations, such as negotiating with your employer or addressing unfair dismissal concerns.

With Employee First NZ, you’re never alone. Our AI-powered platform* is your first step toward understanding your rights and securing the support you need. Contact us today to take control of your employment journey.

*Employee First NZ or its AI assistance does not provide medical advice; if you require medical attention, you must contact a medical practitioner or in case of emergency, please call 111.