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Question Details: I start at work at 8am, but usually come in at 7:30am, to have coffee with my best friend in the cafeteria. My employer says we cannot do that any more because it looks unprofessional to other employees when we sit around and have coffee. He has started to give me things to do before 8am to 'keep me busy'. Can he do this?
Filed under Employment Law | 1487 View(s)
Community Law Wellington & Hutt Valley
Yes, your employer can state what in-house rules they wish to be adhered to, such as not frequenting the cafeteria in the morning.
Your employer can not however stop you socialising with other people, and nor can they alter your employment to make you start earlier without your agreement.
Unfortunately you may need to consider going elsewhere to socialise with your friend before work.
Answered 14 Feb 2013. The IMPORTANT NOTICE below is part of this answer.
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