The Department of Employment and Labour has announced the new earnings determination that applies in terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth revealed that in terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act all employees earning in excess of R269 900.90 per annum are excluded from sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 172), and 18(3) of this Act will from effect from 1 May 2026.

These Sections of the BCEA relates to ordinary hours of work, overtime, length of working hours, averaging of hours of work, determination of hours of work by Minister, meal intervals, daily and weekly rest period, pay for work on Sundays and night work and public holiday.

In simple terms this means that workers who earn above the earnings threshold lose automatic protections under the BCEA. The previous year (2025) earnings threshold was R261,748.45.

The purpose of BCEA is to advance economic development and social justice by giving effect to and regulate the right to fair labour practices, establishing and enforcing basic conditions of employment, regulating the variation of basic conditions of employment, and fulfil obligations of the International Labour Organization.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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