The Citizen reports that union federation Cosatu has welcomed the signing of the Unemployment Insurance Amendment Act into law, saying it would benefit thousands of jobless workers and mothers going on maternity leave.
Cosatu parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks said they only regretted that it took “four long years for government to pass this very progressive and badly needed law”. The law will see the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefit period increased from 238 to 365 days, with maternity benefit up to 66% instead of 42% as is presently the case. Amongst other amendments, members of the Government Employees’ Pension Fund will be covered for UIF and maternity leave benefits. “The labour department has to announce when the new act will come into effect,” Parks said.
- Read this report by Eric Naki in full at The Citizen
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