The Government aims to improve conditions for New Zealand workers by requiring agencies to ensure suppliers and their sub-contractors comply with employment standards, and health and safety requirements. Agencies must also consider how they can create quality employment opportunities through their procurement activities.
Good government procurement practices that focus on achieving good health and safety and employment outcomes will go some way towards improving conditions for workers in higher risk industries. It will also help to create a more level playing field in which suppliers who meet their responsibilities cannot be undercut by those who cut corners by using unsafe and unfair practices.
Suppliers delivering goods and services to agencies in designated contract areas will be required to ensure that they and their sub-contractors comply with employment standards, and health and safety requirements.
As a starting point, the government has prioritised contracts in the following areas:
Quality employment opportunities means opening up work opportunities to a more diverse range of employees and contractors, especially considering the following groups:
Encouraging suppliers to extend employment opportunities to support workforce diversity and inclusion can help improve social outcomes, and increase the capacity and capability of the workforce.
To help you achieve good health and safety outcomes, read:
To help you achieve good employment outcomes, read our guidance on:
To help you achieve quality employment outcomes, read our guidance on:
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