Employment equity bill gives labour minister far wider powers
Legal disputes are likely if the latest draft of the Employment Equity Amendment Bill is passed
The latest draft of the Employment Equity Amendment Bill was published on July 20, several years after the initial draft appeared for comment. The latest version, which will be heading to parliament, includes controversial amendments to the Employment Equity Act (EEA) of 1998, which permits far greater intervention by the minister and more red tape for employers hoping to do business with the state.
At the same time, the bill amends the definition of “designated employer” by excluding those who employ fewer than 50 people, regardless of their annual turnover. This means those employers will not be subject to the affirmative action provisions of the EEA. Voluntary reporting will be done away with. These amendments are a welcome relief from the regulatory burden already placed on small, medium and micro employers. It will introduce greater flexibility into a sector that the government has highlighted as being an important driver of SA’s post-Covid recovery plan...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.