Document Actions

Basic Guide to Termination (Domestic Workers)

by Zopedol — last modified 2007-11-28 16:16

Certain procedures must be followed when either an employer or worker wishes to terminate employment.

Application

Sectoral Determination 7 applies to all domestic workers (including independent contractors and those employed by agencies), except domestic workers who -

work on farms; or
are covered by -
- another sectoral determination, or
- a bargaining council agreement.

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act applies in respect of any matter not covered by this sectoral determination.

See

Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Workers

Special rules governing the employment of domestic workers

Notice of Termination

Notice must be given in writing, except when it is given to an illiterate worker.

Notice Period

Worker employed for…	Notice Period
6 months or less	1 week
More than 6months	4 weeks

An employer and worker may agree to a longer notice period.

Notice of termination may not be given during any period of leave entitled to a worker, except sick leave.

Pay Instead of Notice

Employers may decide to waive the notice period, but the worker must still be paid for the notice period.

Payment on Termination

On termination of employment the employer must pay a worker all monies due to the worker-

wages
allowance or other payments
paid time off

Accommodation on Termination

If an employer terminates the contract of employment before a date on which the employer is entitled to, they are required to provide-

1 month accommodation
until the contract is lawfully terminated

Severance Pay

Retrenched workers (dismissed due to employer’s operational requirements or insolvency) are entitled to 1 week’s severance pay for every year of service.

Certificate of Service

On termination of employment, workers are entitled to a certificate of service.
The certificate of service must state-

domestic worker’s full name
name and address of the employer
date of commencement and termination of employment
title of job and brief description of work
any relevant training received
pay received at termination
reason for termination (if requested by the worker)

Unfair Dismissal

Workers who feel they have been unfairly dismissed should contact the CCMA.

Based on Legislation in Section 37, of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act

Sections

Personal tools