All employers have two goals: to make a profit and be sustainable. Employers should therefore consistently evaluate all factors that can have an influence on the long term success of the business in order to create a cost effective environment enabling the business to...

Labour legislation is not negotiable and non-compliance holds huge business risk for employers. The employer can greatly contribute towards the business’s sustainability and profitability by addressing labour risk proactively. This also ensures a working environment...

A bargaining council is a body that is established by one or more employers’ organisations and one or more trade unions. It must be registered under the Labour Relations Act for a particular industry. This means that there are restrictions on what kind of dispute...

Many factors can influence productivity in a workplace. This has a direct impact on a business’s profitability and sustainability. When an employee works in a positive environment he/she will be more productive. Employers can consider the following:Workplace...

A vast amount of legislation regulates labour relation in South Africa with the added minimum wage as announced, to be implemented om 1 May 2018. The Department of Labour has made it know that they are planning to inspect as many businesses as possible for compliance...

An employment contract is crucial in managing labour relations. It forms the basis of the relationship between the employer and the employee. It defines the terms and conditions as agreed upon between the parties and regulates their relationship. Furthermore the...

Incapacity, where employees who are unable to perform at the required standard have a huge impact on a business’s normal operations. Most employers don’t have the luxury of spare capacity concerning their workforce to compensate for this deficit. Employers have the...

The employment relationship is essentially built on trust and confidence with the employment contract as key in managing labour relations. The employment contract is the basis of the relationship between the employer and the employee. Therefore defines the terms and...

Employers may adhere to strict requirements as set out in legislation when providing employees with a designated smoking area. The number of smoke breaks that employees take during working hours is often a concern for employers. This could result in the employer...

The relationship between an employer and employee is based on mutual benefits and respect. Clear rules and guidelines ensures that friction and misunderstanding are limited. This will in turn promote a productive and positive work environment. The vast majority of...

It often happens that prospective employees are dishonest about their qualifications or experience and in certain instances, their criminal records. Sometimes employers only realise this after appointing the employee. Dishonesty is a serious offence and although the...

Employers must ensure they have basic knowledge of the law of evidence.  This includes the definition, what is admissible and what type of evidence carries the most weight in order to prove a case, as well as limit risk.  When an employee is dismissed, the onus rests...