Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

That's the feedback I'm getting from Tauranga business people about the removal of the 90-day trial for businesses with more than 20 staff.

I'm really lucky to have the opportunity to visit businesses regularly. It's a good chance to hear how things are going for them, what's going well and what's not.

Right now they are telling me that they are very worried about the employment law changes and the impact they will have on their ability to maintain and grow their organisations.

The changes proposed include the end of the starting out wage, the removal of 90-day trials for businesses with more than 20 staff (including casual and part timers), big leaps in the minimum wage, reduced employment flexibility and 1970s style standardised wage bargaining.

All of these are concerning. As a result, we are seeing a loss in business confidence both in Tauranga and across the country.

In the past, businesses have been able to take a risk on people.

Perhaps the person applying for a job doesn't tick all their boxes, but they decided to employ them anyway knowing they have the protection of the 90-day trial.

If they don't work out, they don't have to continue employing them.

Once the trial period is removed they will not risk being stuck with someone who doesn't cut it. This means the good ones miss out too.

New Zealand has a great track record. Our unemployment rate is at its lowest level since the GFC in 2008.

The government needs to explain the reasons behind its reforms.

Why fix something that isn't broken?