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Relieving Letter
I need a relieving letter for an employee who has resigned after 3 years of service, confirming their last working day, acknowledging their contributions, and stating that they have no pending dues or obligations with the company.
What is a Relieving Letter?
A Relieving Letter is a formal document that employers in New Zealand provide when an employee leaves their job. It confirms the person's last working day and states they've been properly released from their employment duties. This letter serves as proof that the employee left their position in good standing and fulfilled all exit requirements.
Kiwi businesses typically issue these letters within 5 working days after employment ends. The letter helps former employees secure new jobs, as many NZ employers require this documentation before finalizing job offers. It's particularly important in regulated industries and for roles requiring security clearances or professional certifications.
When should you use a Relieving Letter?
Request a Relieving Letter immediately after leaving your job in New Zealand, especially if you're planning to start a new position soon. Many Kiwi employers need to see this letter before finalizing employment offers, as it proves you've properly ended your previous role and met all exit obligations.
This documentation becomes crucial when applying for roles in finance, healthcare, or government sectors, where background checks are thorough. It's also valuable for visa applications, professional licensing, and situations where you need to demonstrate a clean employment history. Getting this letter promptly helps avoid delays in your career transition.
What are the different types of Relieving Letter?
- Standard Relieving Letter: Basic version confirming employment dates and role completion
- Detailed Experience Letter: Includes role responsibilities, projects, and achievements
- Clearance Certificate: Specifically states all company dues are settled and assets returned
- Professional Reference Letter: Combines relieving confirmation with performance feedback
- Industry-Specific Format: Contains additional declarations required by regulated sectors like banking or healthcare
Who should typically use a Relieving Letter?
- HR Managers: Draft and issue the Relieving Letter, ensuring it meets company policies and legal requirements
- Department Heads: Review and confirm employee's completed handover duties before letter approval
- Departing Employees: Request and receive the letter as proof of proper employment completion
- Future Employers: Request and verify these letters during recruitment processes
- Company Directors: Sign letters for senior executives and ensure compliance with corporate governance
- Legal Teams: Review content to protect company interests and maintain regulatory compliance
How do you write a Relieving Letter?
- Employee Details: Gather full name, position title, employee ID, and department information
- Employment Dates: Confirm exact start and end dates of employment
- Exit Checklist: Verify all company property returned and exit procedures completed
- Outstanding Dues: Check if any salary, benefits, or other payments are pending
- Clearances: Obtain sign-offs from relevant department heads
- Company Format: Use official letterhead and follow your organization's standard template
- Legal Review: Double-check compliance with NZ employment law requirements
What should be included in a Relieving Letter?
- Company Details: Official letterhead with registered business name and address
- Employee Information: Full name, position title, and employee identification number
- Employment Period: Precise start and end dates of employment
- Clearance Statement: Confirmation that all dues are settled and company property returned
- Character Declaration: Statement about conduct and performance during employment
- No Objection: Clear statement releasing employee from duties
- Authorization: Signature of HR manager or authorized company representative
- Date and Location: Place and date of letter issuance
What's the difference between a Relieving Letter and an Experience Letter?
A Relieving Letter differs significantly from an Experience Letter, though both relate to employment documentation. Here are the key distinctions:
- Primary Purpose: A Relieving Letter formally confirms employment termination and clearance, while an Experience Letter details job responsibilities and achievements
- Timing of Issue: Relieving Letters are provided immediately upon exit, whereas Experience Letters can be requested anytime during or after employment
- Legal Weight: Relieving Letters serve as proof of proper employment conclusion and are often mandatory for new job clearances. Experience Letters are optional references for career advancement
- Content Focus: Relieving Letters emphasize clean exit status and dues clearance, while Experience Letters concentrate on skills, projects, and performance
- Usage Context: Relieving Letters are crucial for employment transitions, while Experience Letters support job applications and professional development
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