Article
Information sessions on how to apply for exemption to the National Minimum Wage
Published: 23/03/2018
As has been widely reported in the media, a cross-cutting National Minimum Wage (NMW) is set to be implemented on the 1st of May 2018. For the first time in South Africa, a minimum wage will be applicable to all sectors and will therefore replace the previous system of sectoral determinations. Initially the minimum wage will be set at R20 per hour with a special dispensation of R18 for agriculture. Despite the concession for agricultural sector, there are legitimate concerns that not all employers will be able to afford the minimum wage - Theo Boshoff, Agbiz Head: Legal intelligence
As has been widely reported in the media, a cross-cutting National Minimum Wage (NMW) is set to be implemented on the 1st of May 2018. For the first time in South Africa, a minimum wage will be applicable to all sectors and will therefore replace the previous system of sectoral determinations. Initially the minimum wage will be set at R20 per hour with a special dispensation of R18 for agriculture.
Despite the concession for agricultural sector, there are legitimate concerns that not all employers will be able to afford the minimum wage. As such, the Bill makes provision for employers who cannot afford to pay the minimum wage to apply for conditional exemption. To facilitate this process, the Department of Labour will enact regulations setting out the criteria and process that must be followed to apply. Provision is also made for electronic applications and the procedure is currently being piloted.
To ensure a smooth transition for employers who bona fide cannot afford the minimum wage, the Department of Labour will be hosting provincial and regional information sessions on the exemption procedure. Employers who wish to apply for exemption are encouraged to attend these sessions. The time and date for the sessions are included in the table below. The venues for certain consultations are yet to be confirmed but will be communicated as they become known.
NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE ALL SECTORS EMPLOYERS EXEMPTION APPLICATION WORKSHOP TRAVELING SCHEDULE 2018