BusinessLive reports that mitigating measures are planned to assist businesses that cannot afford the R20 per hour national minimum wage (NMW) when it comes into force no later than 1 May 2018.  

Such businesses could apply for an exemption for up to 12 months with the aim of avoiding job losses and plant closures, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said at a media briefing on Wednesday.  "Any fragile sectors that are having difficulty in complying with the national minimum wage will be considered for assistance within the available means, including through incentives," he also said.  An employment tax incentive, expanded support for small and medium enterprises, as well as sectoral-specific tax incentives were envisaged, the deputy president indicated.  During a two-year period after 1 May 2018, domestic and farm workers would be able to be paid up to 75% and 90% respectively of the NMW.

• Read this report by Linda Ensor in full at BusinessLive

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