The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) wishes to dispel misinformation currently circulating that the Department issues letters confirming the unemployment status of individuals.

This misconception has arisen following reports that some institutions of higher learning are referring parents or guardians of students to Labour Centres to obtain letters confirming that they are unemployed, as proof of eligibility for funding. The Department of Employment and Labour in the Free State would like to categorically state that it does not issue letters confirming the unemployment status of citizens.

The Department's mandate is limited to administering Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits to qualifying unemployed contributors, in accordance with the Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA). As such, the Department is not legally empowered to issue confirmation letters declaring individuals as unemployed.

Community members are therefore advised to refrain from visiting Labour Centres for the purpose of requesting such letters, as the Department of Employment and Labour is not mandated to provide them.

For media enquiries, 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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