14 March 2007
A general drop in labour law compliance levels, which prompted last week's
Labour Inspectors' conference in the North West province has been declared a
concern for all stakeholders of the labour market.
Aimed at formulating strategies to improve performance within inspectorate
services, as well as improve compliance levels amongst employers, the
conference coincided with the five-day nationwide blitz inspections that
focused on the construction sector, with Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana
leading proceedings in the Western Cape.
According to Labour Department statistics, compliance levels have dipped
from 84 percent in 2004 to 56 percent in 2006, with the agriculture, wholesale
and retail sectors recording the highest numbers of contraventions. Ironically
these are the sectors with highest numbers of vulnerable workers in the
land.
At the conference, delegates representing business, worker and employer
groupings were unanimous in the urgent need for drastic reduction in
occupational injuries and diseases.
Capacity development for improved and professional inspection services were
discussed at length.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
Issued by: Department of Labour
14 March 2007
