10389 (2024). Reuben Davidson to the Minister of Statistics

10389 (2024). Reuben Davidson to the Minister of Statistics: What is the "set criterion" referred to by the Minister in his answer to WPQ 9646(2024) that applications for voluntary redundancy by Statistics New Zealand staff must meet in order to be accepted?

Hon Andrew Bayly: I have been advised that to be eligible to apply for voluntary redundancy, employees must be a permanent employee of Stats NZ, and have a redundancy payment provision in their employment agreement (including meeting the relevant eligibility criteria to access that provision). Stats NZ staff must also confirm, none of the factors listed below apply: • a resignation has been tendered before or during the voluntary redundancy application process • the process of retiring from employment with Stats NZ has been formally initiated, and where retirement would otherwise occur in the next six months • on extended Leave Without Pay for more than three months during the voluntary redundancy application process. I am advised applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and Stats NZ can accept or decline any request based on the needs of the organisation. Stats NZ’s considerations when assessing an application for voluntary redundancy include: • the employee’s eligibility (as outlined above) • the impact on Stats NZ if the application was accepted, for example if an employee has specific skills and experience that Stats NZ needs to retain • if approving the voluntary redundancy may result in an insufficient number of skilled staff remaining in positions in an area, or • that the position does not need to be replaced by a ‘like for like’ position i.e., backfilling the role • Stats NZ’s ability to ensure that critical services are not compromised • where appropriate, the personal circumstances of the applicant, for example nearing retirement.