How can an Employment Advocate help me?

When facing a problem with your employment, it can be difficult to know who to turn to for help.  You feel like you should be able to address issues by raising them with your manager and/or an HR representative.  Sometimes issues are not handled fairly or are too complex to be resolved in this way.  You may then choose to engage your union (where applicable), a lawyer or an advocate rather than handle it yourself.  While all these options are viable, engaging an employment advocate brings unique benefits and can help you reach a positive resolution quickly and cost effectively.  

Here are 4 reasons why you should consider engaging  an advocate to help with your employment issue.  

Experience

While New Zealand’s employment resolution system is set up to enable employees to represent themselves in mediation and at the ERA, this can often be a daunting undertaking - especially if your employer has a legal representative on their side.   While you might only find yourself in this position once or twice in your career, employment advocates navigate this system on a regular basis.  They can take an objective look at the situation, identify any issues and explore  options for resolution, including remedies, based on their extensive experience with similar cases.  The extent of their employment law knowledge means they can explain legal terms and deadlines and determine the best approach for you.

A client recently commended a Mathews Walker advocate on ‘his deep knowledge of employment relations and thorough understanding of the processes and options available in my case' which helped them achieve a positive outcome in their dispute.

Better Preparation

When moving through the process for negotiation, mediation and hearings at the ERA, there are a plethora of applications and documentation to be prepared and submitted within strict time frames.  Making sure you use the right forms and submit the right information in the appropriate format can be stressful.  An advocate can help collect evidence and witness statements and craft clear, strong communications.  They are familiar with the forms and processes and can keep your case moving through the various steps to achieve a resolution in a timely manner.  

Another client mentioned that it was ‘Such a complicated process, made easy by Mathews Walker. A fantastic end result that I would not have obtained on my own.’

Strong Representation:

Often in an employment dispute, you can feel powerless and intimidated when standing up to your employer and/or their legal representative.  An advocate is there with you during negotiation and at mediation and hearings.  They are used to handling tough questions and can prepare and present arguments based on their experience and knowledge of other cases.  

One of our recent clients simplified it in their review by saying ‘Simply put, they give power to those who feel powerless.’

Confidence & Support

A problem shared is a problem halved and that is certainly the case in an employment dispute.  When faced by your employer, who may be a large company with what feels like an army of lawyers representing them, you can feel stressed and intimidated into backing down or walking away. Engaging an advocate can take the stress off your shoulders while they step in and take on the tough aspects of dispute resolution on your behalf.  They can provide emotional support through a stressful time meaning you feel protected and listened to and that your side of the story is being heard and represented.

Another client commented in their review that ‘from start to finish, I was well-informed and expertly guided through what was a challenging and stressful process.’

Mathews Walker has a dedicated team of advocates who work tirelessly for their clients, generally on a No Win, No Fee basis, and have countless war stories they can share on going into bat against employers behaving unfairly towards their employees.  For every story they share, there is a client who is relieved to have reached the other side of their employment dispute.  There are, in fact, more than 300 clients who have shared their gratitude in a 5 star google review with many of these highlighted on our website.  If you are struggling with an employment situation and looking for someone to take your side in a dispute, get in touch with an expert.  Call now for a free consultation.  Mathewswalker.co.nz | 0800 612 355

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up to date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact a qualified legal professional.