Engineering News reports that the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will start accepting applications for the Workers Affected by Unrest (WABU): Temporary Financial Relief Scheme from 25 August.

The financial relief scheme has been established to assist workers whose workplaces have been closed owing to the recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, resulting in workers receiving partial remuneration or no pay. According to a recently published directive, employers will be required to apply on behalf of affected workers and they will have to meet several qualifying conditions. These include that the employer is registered or will have to register with the UIF and that the employer’s closure must be directly linked to the destruction, damage or looting of the workplace. Moreover, the employer must provide details of the destruction, closure, damage or looting of the workplace and submit documentary proof of a report to the police, with proof that a case has been opened. If insured, proof of submission of an insurance claim must be provided. Payment of the WABU: Temporary Financial Relief will be directly into the worker’s bank account unless the UIF Commissioner specifies that payments can be made into the employer’s account. The relief will be paid at a flat rate of R3,500. The benefit is not linked to the UIF’s normal benefits.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News

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