The act of suspension is widely misunderstood by employers which is problematic in terms of any unfair labour practice. Suspension can be divided into two categories: precautionary suspension and punitive suspension. Punitive suspensionPunitive suspension...
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The chargesheet
The chargesheet is the first formal step before a disciplinary hearing after the investigation has been concluded. Drafted by the employer or their HR official, this document, also known as a notice of disciplinary hearing, informs the employee of the pending hearing...
Permanent and temporary medical incapacity
Incapacity refers to when an employee is incompetent and inherently unable to meet fixed performance standards whether due to ill health or poor work performance. When the employee cannot perform according to the employer’s required standard due to ill health, the...
Retrenchment – not a one day process
Retrenchment is the no-fault termination of an employee’s services and is governed by Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act, Act 66 of 1995 as amended (LRA). It becomes necessary when there are operational requirements to reduce the workforce. Operational...
A quick guide to leave in the agricultural sector
Parental, adoption and commissioning parental leave came into effect on 1 January 2020 under the Labour Laws Amendment Act, Act 10 of 2018. Many employers in the agricultural industry however get confused about leave given the pending Constitutional Court case...
Collective bargaining and role of bargaining councils
To uphold the constitutional rights of trade unions and employers' organisations to engage in collective bargaining, legislation has been enacted to establish the framework within which this process occurs.The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA)The LRA lays the...
Payment for years of service: basics to know
The idea of receiving a "payment for years of service" is a very common query, especially after an employee's termination of service. Many employees, particularly those with many years of service, expect and anticipate being rewarded for their loyalty and dedication...
Negligence and gross negligence in the workplace
Negligent conduct or actions of employees can cause the employer damage, including financial damages. In such instances the employer might consider taking disciplinary measures and as such should investigate the matter to determine whether the employee’s actions...
Understanding Employment Equity Plans in SA
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 is built on a fundamental principle of the achievement of equality. Section 9 of the Constitution recognises that equality has two critical dimensions. The first, known as formal equality, prohibits unfair...
Theft in the workplace
Theft in the workplace is a serious misconduct that places additional pressure on a business in terms of profitability and sustainability. Each year hundreds of thousands of cases are referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (“CCMA”) due...
Absenteeism
We advise employers to address labour as a business risk proactively in order to promote a working environment with reduced conflict, friction and misunderstanding, which in turn creates a structured environment receptive for growth. Absenteeism is a common issue in...
Sick leave
Leave is a vital issue where employers need to be informed of requirements and responsibility involved in managing labour risks pro-actively as well as curbing unnecessary costs. Between annual leave, sick leave, family responsibility leave, maternity leave and...
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