Employer Information

I R Thompson Associates have an excellent reputation for helping employers with issues relating to employment relations NZ wide.
We don’t charge outrageous fees and we provide common-sense advice. Lets all remember Employers need help.

It should be noted that we work for employers and employees which does give us an advantage in understanding both perspectives. Employers, don’t get it wrong, call us first. However, in all cases of a grievance from a former or current employee you should be represented by an experienced Barrister, Union, Solicitor, Employment Lawyer or Employment Advocate to obtain the best result. Of course, as Employment Advocate’s we strongly recommend that you use our services due to our experience and employment law knowledge.

Employment Law Advice for Employers Across New Zealand

Running a business means making difficult employment decisions from time to time. When an employment issue arises, getting the process right from the beginning can significantly reduce disruption, cost and legal risk. I.R. Thompson Associates provides practical employment law advice and representation to employers throughout New Zealand.

Although our office is based in Christchurch, our employer clients are located across the country. Modern communication means that most advice, meetings and employment processes can be managed efficiently by telephone, email or video conference. Where necessary, we can also discuss attendance in person.

Experienced Advice for New Zealand Employers

We assist businesses of different sizes and across a wide range of industries.

Our focus is not simply on explaining the law. We help employers determine what should be done, prepare the necessary correspondence and conduct a process that is fair, defensible and commercially sensible.

Employers frequently contact us when an issue has become urgent or when they are concerned that an incorrect step may expose the business to a personal grievance. Early advice often provides more options and helps prevent avoidable mistakes.

Practical Advice for Real Workplace Problems

Employment problems do not always arise during ordinary business hours, and they rarely arrive in a convenient form.

An employer may discover suspected serious misconduct, receive a medical certificate without enough information, face an unexpected personal grievance, or need to restructure because of changing commercial conditions.

We provide clear advice about:

• What the employer can lawfully do
• What information should be obtained
• What should be put to the employee
• What documents need to be disclosed
• Whether the employee should remain at work
• What outcomes may reasonably be available
• How to communicate the decision properly

Our advice is direct, practical and tailored to the employer’s circumstances.

Representation Throughout New Zealand

You do not need to be based in Christchurch to instruct us.

We act for employers throughout New Zealand using Microsoft Teams, telephone conferences and email. This allows us to assist promptly without the employer needing to travel or engage a large law firm in its own region.

We can work directly with:

• Business owners
• Directors
• General managers
• Human resources professionals
• Operations managers
• Payroll and health and safety teams
• Internal and external advisers

Whether your business has one employee or a substantial workforce, we can provide advice appropriate to the size of the organisation and the seriousness of the issue.

Assistance When a Personal Grievance Is Raised

Receiving a personal grievance does not necessarily mean the employer acted unlawfully. However, the response must be properly considered.

We can help assess the allegations, review the process followed, identify the available evidence and prepare a clear response. Where appropriate, we can represent the employer in settlement discussions, mediation and proceedings before the Employment Relations Authority.

Our role is to protect the employer’s position while also identifying practical opportunities to resolve the matter.

Why Employers Engage I.R. Thompson Associates

Employers engage us because they want:

• Specialist employment law assistance
• Clear and direct advice
• Practical guidance through difficult processes
• Professionally prepared employment correspondence
• Responsive assistance when an issue becomes urgent
• Representation focused on the employer’s legal and commercial position
• Cost-effective support without the overheads of a large law firm

I.R. Thompson Associates is a family-run business and a member of the Employment Law Institute of New Zealand. The existing website records that membership and your commitment to professional standards.

Speak to an Employment Law Specialist

If your business is facing an employment issue, it is usually better to obtain advice before sending a letter, holding a formal meeting or reaching a decision.

We act for employers throughout New Zealand.

Call 03 383 9988, email reception@irt.nz.