22 March 2006
The Unemployment Insurance Fundâs (UIF) resolve to broaden coverage of
beneficiaries remains on track.
The Fund has reported that its records showed that as at the end of January
2006, more than 7.1 million workers in both the domestic and commercial sector
were registered with the Fund compared to just under 6.6 million at the same
time last year.
The Fund administers the unemployment insurance contributions collected from
employers and employees to pay benefits and related administrative
expenses.
Departmental Spokesperson, Mokgadi Pela, said the increase in the number of
employees covered by the Fund had a positive impact on revenue collection with
about R6,152 billion already collected in the 2005/06 financial year. This
represents 9% increase in the previous financial year.
The Fund has also experienced an increase in the amount paid out to
beneficiaries with R2,475 billion already having been paid out in 2005/06. This
also represented an 18% increase compared to the 2004/05 financial year.
Both the increase in the number of employees covered by the fund and that of
more people claiming from the fund was attributable to more people becoming
increasingly aware of the services offered by the UIF.
In its quest to inform and to raise awareness as well as to educate both
workers and employers, the Fund has organised a Community Outreach Programme in
Phalaborwa on Saturday, 25 March 2006.
Details are as follows:
Event: UIF Outdoor Education Campaign
Date: 25 March 2006
Venue: Namakgale Stadium
Time: 10h00
Enquiries: Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Issued by: Department of Labour
22 March 2006
