Employment status

What does the Human Rights Act mean by employment status?

The ground of employment status covers:

  • being unemployed
  • being on a a Work and Income (Social Welfare) benefit
  • being on accident compensation (ACC).
What does the Human Rights Act say about employment status?

It is unlawful to discriminate on the ground of employment status in any of the prohibited areas of public life.

Exceptions

There are a number of circumstances where it is not unlawful to discriminate on the ground of employment status. These include:

In employment (includes pre-employment and advertising):

  • Crew of non-New Zealand ships and aircraft.

In goods and services:

  • Reduced charges.

In accommodation:

  • Shared residential accommodation.
Resources

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