BusinessLive reports that the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) will on Thursday discuss the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (UIF’s) financial capacity to continue paying Covid-19 temporary relief benefits in the long run.
Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) Minister Thulas Nxesi said they needed to guarantee the sustainability of funds beyond June 2020. The UIF has disbursed more than R11.3bn in the Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (Ters) to date. The scheme, administered by the UIF, was established by Nxesi in March to provide relief to those in formal employment expected to lose their income due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Nxesi said he would ask social partners at Nedlac to work with the government to collectively explore available opportunities to address challenges presented by the coronavirus. “We will encourage employers to consult broadly when it comes to major decisions with an impact on job security such as intentions to lay-off workers,” he added. The DEL also expects social partners at Nedlac to pledge their commitment and support for “return to work strategies that place the safety and welfare of workers above any other interest”.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive
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