Citizen Advice Bureau - Monthly Column
A Friendly Voice in Your Corner: CAB Queenstown’s Employment Support Initiative
Work is a big part of life, and every now and then it can throw us a curveball. Maybe you’re unsure how to ask for flexible hours after parental leave. Perhaps a change at work has left you feeling unsettled and unsure of your rights. Or maybe you simply want a second opinion before an important meeting.
Whatever the situation, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
That’s why Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Queenstown launched its new Employment Support Initiative in July. The service provides free, confidential guidance in plain English, no legal jargon, no judgement, just clear information about your rights and options.
If you have an important workplace meeting coming up, our Advocates may also be able to attend with you, providing support so you don’t have to walk into a difficult conversation alone.
The service is available to employees and small business owners alike. Employment rules can be complicated, and for businesses without an HR department, having someone to talk things through with can be invaluable.
Our approach isn’t about blame. It’s about finding good outcomes for everyone involved, helping people understand their rights and responsibilities, improving communication and, where possible, finding solutions that work for both employees and employers.
We often find that workplace issues begin with poor communication or misunderstandings. Sometimes, having an informed and independent person help open up that conversation can make all the difference.
This support can be particularly valuable for people navigating the workplace in a second language, or facing an unfamiliar situation for the first time.
We are grateful to have received a grant from Central Lakes Trust, which has enabled targeted training for CAB volunteers wanting to build their knowledge of employment issues. We have also received funding to help meet the costs of delivering the service in the short term while we work towards a longer-term funding solution.
You can help spread the word.
If you know someone facing redundancy, a disciplinary process, a workplace concern, or simply unsure about their rights, let them know CAB Queenstown is here.
The service is free, confidential and focused on helping people feel informed and supported at work. Please call us on 03 442 6799 / email queenstown@cab.org.nz or come and see us at 44 Stanley Street, Queenstown (Mon – Friday 9.30am-4.30pm)
Because everyone deserves a friendly voice in their corner.
