Estimated cost of wage theft

Alex Harris made this Official Information request to Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment did not have the information requested.

From: Alex Harris

Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,

"Wage theft" is the practice of denying employees overtime, forcing them to work "off the clock", failing to pay the minimum wage, not paying annual leave or holiday entitlements, making illegal deductions from pay etc. In 2019 it was reported as being a widespread problem in the NZ hospitality industry ("Employers stealing from staff a widespread problem - expert", New Zealand Herald, 10 November 2019). I would like to request the following information under the OIA:

* any estimate MBIE has of the overall cost of wage theft in New Zealand.If there is a policy paper, briefing, or document containing that estimate, I would like a copy of the document.

I would prefer to receive an electronic response. Queries about this request will be automatically forwarded to me by the fyi.org.nz website.

With regards to s12 of the OIA, I am an NZ citizen and in NZ.

Yours faithfully,

Alex Harris

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From: Ministerial Services
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

Ref: 2122-2264

 

Dear Alex,

 

On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of the 1^st of June 2022 requesting under the
Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:

 

“"Wage theft" is the practice of denying employees overtime, forcing them
to work "off the clock", failing to pay the minimum wage, not paying
annual leave or holiday entitlements, making illegal deductions from pay
etc. In 2019 it was reported as being a widespread problem in the NZ
hospitality industry ("Employers stealing from staff a widespread problem
- expert", New Zealand Herald, 10 November 2019). I would like to request
the following information under the OIA:

* any estimate MBIE has of the overall cost of wage theft in New
Zealand.If there is a policy paper, briefing, or document containing that
estimate, I would like a copy of the document.

I would prefer to receive an electronic response. Queries about this
request will be automatically forwarded to me by the fyi.org.nz website.

With regards to s12 of the OIA, I am an NZ citizen and in NZ”

 

Your request is being processed in accordance with the Act and a response
will be sent to you in due course.

 

If you have any enquiries regarding your request, or its urgency, feel
free to contact us via email at [1][MBIE request email].

 

Nâku noa, nâ

MINISTERIAL SERVICES

               

Ngâ Pou o te Taumaru

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Level 4, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140

NZBN 9429000106078

 

 

[2]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

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From: *OIA
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment


Attachment DOIA 2122 2264 Alex Harris.pdf
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Attachment DOIA 2122 2264 Alex Harris.docx
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Tçnâ koe Alex,

 

 

Please find attached the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s
response to your Official Information Act request.

 

 

Ngâ mihi,

Workplace Relations and Safety Policy Branch

Labour, Science and Enterprise Group

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)

[email address] | (04) 830 7322 |

15 Stout Street, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, New
Zealand 

 

 

[1]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

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1. http://www.govt.nz/

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