Question NW1830 to the Minister of Employment and Labour
20 May 2022 - NW1830
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
In light of the recent floods that destroyed infrastructure in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, what (a) number of workers have been affected due to (i) them not being able to go to work and/or (ii) their work place infrastructure being destroyed and (b) intervention measures will he put in place to avoid permanent job losses?
Reply:
The number of workers that have been affected by the floods is still being established. Once lodging of claims gets to its logical conclusion, certain things will become clearer, including the stats that Hon. Member is looking for.
Currently, the Unemployment Insurance Fund is engaged in discussions with a number of stakeholders (including NEDLAC) in terms of how best to respond to the disaster in KwaZulu Natal and the ripple effect (of the floods) downstream.
The Provincial Offices of the Department of Employment and Labour in Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal have been tasked with handling the claims related to recent floods in those provinces.
These claims have been given priority by the provinces. Affected employees are able to claim for Reduced Work Time and the unemployment benefit claim in line with the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act. Employers are also able to apply for the Reduced Work Time and the unemployment benefit claims directly with the provincial offices on behalf of their employees.
Unemployment Insurance Fund through its Labour Activation Programme has (the normal) Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme which provides support to distressed companies that seek to retain their employees. Under the scheme, the UIF funds 75% of an employee’s basic salary up to a maximum amount of R17 119,44 per month, for a maximum period of twelve months. Eligible companies affected by the flood can apply for this relief scheme through the CCMA.
Furthermore, the UIF also has another Labour Activation Programme called the Business Turnaround and Recovery Programme which provides support to enterprises facing economic distress and initiatives aimed at preventing job losses. Eligible companies affected by the flood can apply for this support scheme through Productivity South Africa.