COMPENSATION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 128, 12 March 1936, Page 9

COMPENSATION

PAYMENTS TO WORKERS.

AMENDMENTS PROPOSED.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 11

Amendments of outstanding importance are to be made to the Workers Compensation Act, during the coming session of Parliament. Provision will be made for increased payments to those suffering accidents, and for their dependents. For instance, the present act provides that the maximum payment Avhich a servant may recover from an employer in respect of an accident caused by the negligence of a. fellow-servant is £IOOO. This, it is believed, will be increased to £1250. The act will be extended to cover a worker not employed in or for the purpose of any trade or business carried on by the employer, and such Avorker is to ,be compensated if he has been employed for a period of at least three consecutive 'days within a period of 12 months preceding the day of the accident. The minimum payment in the case of the death of a. Avorker will be fixed at £SOO, instead of £3OO as at present.

It is also proposed to include in the bill clauses making it mandatory for employers to insure against accidents to their employees, and also to increase greatly the number of Avorkers covered by the act’s provisions. A further clause is expected to provide that compensation paid under the act shall not operate to disentitle any person to such pension as many be provided tor old age or Avidowhood.