Joblaw - East London

21/04/2026

18/04/2026

⚖️ EMPLOYER ALERT: EARNINGS THRESHOLD INCREASE – EFFECTIVE 01 MAY 2026

Employers are advised that the earnings threshold has increased to R269,600.90 per annum, effective 01 May 2026.

📌 What this means for your business:

Employees earning above this threshold are excluded from certain provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), including:

⏱️ Overtime pay requirements

🕒 Regulation of working hours

🛌 Meal intervals and rest periods

🌙 Sunday and public holiday pay provisions

⚠️ Important:This does not mean these employees have no rights — it simply limits the application of specific sections of the BCEA. Contracts, company policies, and other labour laws still apply.

✅ Action for Employers:

Review employment contracts for affected employees

Ensure clarity on working hours and remuneration structures

Align policies with the updated threshold

❗ Failure to correctly apply the threshold could lead to disputes, compliance issues, and potential penalties.

📞 Need assistance reviewing your contracts or policies? Get in touch with us for expert guidance.

22/02/2026

EMPLOYERS: COMPLIANCE IS NO LONGER OPTIONAL

During the recent State of the Nation Address on 12 February, Cyril Ramaphosa announced that 10,000 new labour inspectors have been appointed to intensify workplace inspections across South Africa.

This is a clear warning: inspections are increasing — and enforcement will follow.
Employers must ensure full compliance with:
• National Minimum Wage legislation
• Employment contracts and written particulars
• Disciplinary and grievance procedures
• BCEA, LRA and OHSA requirements
• UIF and COIDA registrations
• Proper record-keeping and payslips

Non-compliance can result in:
– Compliance Orders
– Significant fines
– Arbitration awards
– Criminal liability in certain cases
– Reputational damage

Waiting for an inspector to point out problems is costly and unnecessary.

Now is the time to:
✔ Review your contracts
✔ Update workplace policies
✔ Train managers
✔ Ensure disciplinary processes are fair and compliant
✔ Conduct an internal compliance audit

Proactive compliance protects your business.
If you require assistance with workplace audits, drafting policies, or chairing disciplinary enquiries, contact our offices for professional support.



Ramaphosa sends a warning to employers in South Africa – Daily Investor

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent a clear, uncompromising message to employers across South Africa – comply with immigration and labour laws or face the consequences.

05/02/2026

28/01/2026

17/01/2026

IMPORTANCE OF A FAIR PROCEDURE

Before dismissing an employee, employers must ensure both a fair reason and a fair procedure.

The CCMA evaluates substantive and procedural fairness. Even where misconduct exists, failure to follow a proper process can result in costly compensation awards.

We assist employers by chairing disciplinary enquiries, ensuring compliance and reducing risk.

📞 073 952 9344
📧 [email protected]

14/01/2026

EMPLOYERS: A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT IS NOT OPTIONAL

In South Africa, every employee is legally entitled to written particulars of employment in terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

A proper contract of employment:
• Sets out job title, hours, remuneration and leave
• Clarifies probation, notice periods and termination
• Protects the employer in disciplinary and CCMA disputes
• Reduces risk of misunderstandings and costly claims
• Demonstrates compliance with labour legislation

Operating without written contracts exposes your business to:
❌ CCMA findings against you
❌ Back-pay and compensation orders
❌ Claims based on verbal “agreements” you cannot prove
❌ Reputational and financial risk
❌ Fines from Labour Department Inspections

A contract is not just paperwork — it is a legal safeguard and a business necessity.
If your contracts are outdated, incomplete, or non-existent, you are already at risk.

📞 For advice, drafting, or compliance assistance, contact
Joblaw East London
073 952 9344 | [email protected]