Blogs

Planning for retirement is essential, and South African law sets clear guidelines for employers who provide pension and retirement funds for their employees. While it is not always mandatory for businesses to offer these benefits, those that do must follow strict regulations under the Pension Funds Act (PFA) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)….

Retrenchment is one of the most challenging decisions an employer can face. While businesses may need to reduce their workforce due to financial pressures, restructuring, or operational changes, the process must be handled fairly and in line with South African labour laws. Failure to follow proper retrenchment procedures can lead to costly legal disputes and…

Managing employee under performance is a delicate yet crucial aspect of business operations. While productivity is essential, fairness and legal compliance are equally important to prevent unfair dismissal claims. South Africa’s Labour Relations Act (LRA) and Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) outline a structured approach to handling under performance while safeguarding both employer and…

Completing your Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) might seem like just another compliance requirement. However, these submissions offer meaningful benefits that go far beyond regulatory obligations. With the right approach, WSP/ATR submissions can help your business reclaim a portion of your Skills Development Levy (SDL), improve your B-BBEE score, and enhance…

As 2025 approaches, businesses must prepare for anticipated changes to South Africa’s National Minimum Wage (NMW). The NMW is adjusted annually to account for inflation, cost of living, and economic conditions, ensuring workers are paid fairly. Employers should stay informed to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Expected Minimum Wage Changes  The minimum wage for 2025…

Recent developments highlight a growing issue for employers in South Africa’s logistics industry: Insurers have begun enforcing stricter policies, which require that all foreign drivers have valid work permits for any claims to be processed. The Risks of Non-Compliance  If a foreign driver is involved in an accident or any other event that would typically…

In today’s workplace, many employers adopt a strict approach towards the use of alcohol and other intoxicating substances by their employees. However, some policies extend to prohibit the mere presence of these substances in an employee’s system, even if consumed outside of work hours. But is this fair? A recent case involving cannabis use sheds…

On the 21st of April 2023, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) published amended Rules for the proceedings at the CCMA (“Rules”). The amendments to the Rules include several additions as well as alterations. The Rules came into effect on the 24th of April 2023. In addition to the amendment to the Rules,…

It has been four years since the Constitutional Court recognised that it was unconstitutional to fire an employee for off-duty cannabis use (beyond the confines of one’s home). Despite this long-awaited ruling, very few employers seem to be aware of what their obligations actually are when it comes to drug and alcohol testing. In a…

1. A decision taken by the employer An employee will not be on sick leave unless a medical certificate has been issued to the employee placing the employee in quarantine. An employer may issue an instruction that an employee be placed under quarantine if the employee recently travelled abroad or if the employee displays symptoms…