business, jobless
13 April 2007
The Unemployment Insurance Fund has warned the public to be on the alert for
conmen posing as labour inspectors swindling both the employers and unemployed
people into paying money for non-existent UIF registrations. The UIF said today
Friday that the scam was seemingly widespread as reports of bogus officials'
activities were being received from areas including Johannesburg, Durban and
Pretoria.
UIF spokesperson Kgomotso Sebetso said incidents reported to the fund
included telephone calls to domestic employers requiring them to provide their
banking details as part of "registering" their employees for UIF. In some cases
the unemployed are allegedly asked to pay money for the "officials" to
"facilitate" their UIF claims. Sebetso today warned the public not to part with
their money or banking details to anyone as this is not how the UIF
operates.
"A genuine labour inspector will always carry with them the necessary
documentation, including registration forms, but will never ask for cash
payments. UIF contribution payments are only made electronically into the
Fund's contribution account or by a direct deposit at a First National Bank
branch," Sebetso said. Anyone encountering such demands or suspicious
activities should report at the nearest Labour office or police station. The
UIF call centre can also be contacted on (012) 337 1680 for further
information.
Meanwhile this year marks the fourth anniversary of the inclusion of the
domestic sector in the UIF. Sebetso said this highlighted the fund's commitment
to ensure that all workers in various economic sectors are protected in the
social security net.
"More than 670 000 domestic employers are currently registered on our
database, with over 628 000 domestic workers registered as potential
beneficiaries. In the last financial year the fund has paid in excess of R46
million on benefit claims as temporary financial relief to more than 23 000
domestic workers," he said.
Employers are urged to register with the UIF before starting any business
activity and are required by law to register anyone working for them for 24
hours or more in a month. They are also required to inform the Fund of any
changes regarding the number of workers and their remuneration within the first
seven days of each month. Failure to comply with these requirements is a
punishable by a fine, imprisonment or both.
uFiling�the Fund's online filing system enables domestic employers to
register, make payments and submit their declarations from the comfort of their
houses and offices. The online system can be accessed on http://www.ufiling.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Kgomotso Sebetso
Cell: 073 269 9870
Issued by: Department of Labour
13 April 2007
