The Citizen reports that new research suggests that as many as 90% of domestic workers in SA might not be registered with the Unemployment Insurance Commissioner’s office and are thus unable to access the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
This has brought into sharp focus the desperate plight of these vulnerable workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance recently surveyed 600 domestic workers to find out how many had been placed on unpaid leave as a result of the pandemic and national lockdown and how many had access to the UIF over this period. The results revealed that only 37% were receiving full pay during this period. A total of 79% of those surveyed indicated they were not registered and a further 11% were unsure, which “means they likely are not”. Government has established the Covid-19 temporary employer/employee relief scheme (Ters) to assist, among others, domestic workers. But the Ters relief is only available to those who are registered. Said Izwi: “Most households have not registered their worker for UIF because they did not think it was worthwhile or did not want the hassle. Now, domestic workers and their families are paying the price for their employers’ noncompliance with labour law.” According to government’s Covid-19 Risk-Adjusted Strategy, which plots out a phased easing of the lockdown restrictions, “private household employment” will only resume at Level 2.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bernadette Wicks at The Citizen
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