4. What if I need to cut hours or reduce staff numbers as a result of COVID-19?

COVID-19 - Retail NZ

The information on this page is constantly updated as the situation evolves and was last updated at 4.30pm on 10 January 2022.

Things you need to know

COVID-19 Traffic Light System

The Government has introduced a new “traffic light system” called the COVID Protection Framework that guides the operations of businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Red Status	Northland
Orange Status	Rest of New Zealand

Key requirements for retail sector

	ESSENTIAL RETAILERS Supermarkets, dairies, pharmacies, service station stations	GENERAL RETAILERS Clothing, department stores, animal supply, bikes, appliances, electronics, all other retail stores, plus takeaway businesses.	CLOSE CONTACT & FOOD AND BEVERAGE Hair, beauty, tattoos, cafés, restaurants.
Red	*Vaccination passes not permitted* Normal trading with restrictions: Scanning/Contact tracing record keeping Masks mandatory for staff and customers *Back office workers* are encouraged to work from home, where possible.	*Vaccination passes are optional* Normal trading with restrictions: Numbers in-store limited by 1 metre distancing Scanning/Contact tracing record keeping Masks mandatory for staff and customers *Back office workers* are encouraged to work from home, where possible.	*If vaccination passes are used:* Vaccine passes must be sighted for all customers aged over 12, and a “reasonable number” must be scanned Employees must be vaccinated Restrictions if Customers not vaccinated Cafes – limit 100 Close contact services can operate Masks mandatory for staff and customers *If vaccination passes are not used:* Employees must be vaccinated Cafes – contactless services only Close contact services unable to operate Masks mandatory 1 metre distancing *Back office workers* are encouraged to work from home, where possible.
Orange	*Vaccination passes not permitted* Normal trading with restrictions: Scanning/Contact tracing record keeping. Masks mandatory.	*Vaccination passes are optional* Normal trading with restrictions: Numbers in-store limited by 1 metre distancing Scanning/Contact tracing record keeping Masks mandatory	*If vaccination passes are used* Vaccine passes must be sighted for all customers aged over 12, and a “reasonable number” must be scanned. Masks mandatory *If vaccination passes are not used* Cafes – contactless only Close contact services unable to operate Masks mandatory 1 metre distancing
Green	*Vaccination passes not permitted* Normal trading with no restrictions Scanning/Contact tracing record keeping Masks optional but encouraged	*Vaccination passes are optional* Normal trading with no restrictions Scanning/Contact tracing record keeping Masks optional but encouraged	*If vaccination passes are used* Vaccine passes must be sighted for all customers aged over 12, and a “reasonable number” must be scanned Masks optional but encouraged *If vaccination passes are not used* Limit of 100 people in food and beverage business Masks mandatory 1 metre distancing

For the full details of the COVID Protection Framework, also known as the traffic light system please click here.

Frequently asked questions

You need to run a process to consult your team members about this before making a decision. Read more here.

Yes.

Some limited financial support is available. See the details h e re.

If you need to cut hours or reduce staff numbers, then it’s critical that you’re following a proper process and staying on the right side of the law. For this purpose, you can get in touch with our Advice Service on 0800 472 472 or email [email protected].

Want to stay up to date? Become a member of Retail NZ to receive direct updates during the current COVID and Delta crisis. Our members receive our direct support and updates during COVID-19 alert level changes and beyond. To discuss membership contact our team now.

We’re here to help, so ask us first

Please contact our Advice Service should you require any assistance or business support. You can ring us on 0800 472 472 (1800 128 086 from Australia) or send us an email to [email protected].