Compensation rise granted

Press, 12 June 1984, Page 14

Compensation rise granted

Wellington reporter Weekly accident compensation has been increased by the Government, to recognise the cost-of-living allowance ($8 a week) applied to wage and salary earners earlier in the year. The increase will be backdated to April 1, to keep it in line with the Economic Stabilisation Regulations. Various prescribed maximum figures, which have not been changed since 1981, have been also adjusted. The maximum amount of weekly compensation has been increased from $6OO to $7OO. Other increases apply to maximum amounts for full-time earners and dependants, in certain cases; maximum amounts for people

aged 20 years or less, apprentices and improvers; and the prescribed amount for loss of potential earning capacity. The increase in maximum weekly compensation requires a matching increase in the maximum amount of leviable earnings by employers and the self-em-ployed. The change is from $39,000 to $45,500. Changes to the maximum amounts of weekly compensation, and to the prescribed amount for loss of potential earning capacity, will take effect from June 13. However, the new maximum for leviable earnings, will not be applied until employers and the self-em-ployed pay their levies in 1985.