The Chief Judge of the Employment Court, Christina Inglis, has extended the court's Costs Guidelines pilot until 30 June 2018.

The pilot was introduced by the court in January 2016 and consisted of a scale of costs to guide the court in making costs orders pursuant to clause 19 of schedule 3 to the Employment Relations Act 2000. The pilot had an end date of 31 December 2017.

The court consulted with the legal profession and others on the guidelines, which are item 16 in the Employment Court Practice Directions.

The New Zealand Law Society consulted the profession and provided feedback that the guidelines were a useful tool in achieving the objectives behind the pilot.

"The consultation process has generated constructive feedback and suggestions on which the Judges wish to reflect," Chief Judge Inglis says.

"In these circumstances, the current pilot will be extended until 30 June 2018."