Mbabane: Negative effects of COVID-19 has continued to greatly affect Eswatini companies’ cash flow as 43 companies have invoked Section 5 (a) of the Guidelines by filing for temporary lay-offs of their employees.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Makhosi Vilakati made this announcement during a press briefing held at the cabinet offices today (Monday). Vilakati said 13 of the companies had their applications approved after due process resulting in 8 429 employees being affected by the unpaid lay-offs.
“The lay-offs remain temporarily and must not be construed as permanent termination of employment” said Vilakati.
Vilakati further disclosed that Disciplinary proceedings initiated either before or during the period of COVID-19 partial lockdown are to be suspended in line with the partial lockdown regulations.
Meanwhile 36 companies have applied to divert their April and May 2020 Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) contributions towards cushioning the salaries of their employees.
16 companies have applied for release of bonds or securities of payment of wages.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) Regulations, were issued in order to assist employers and employees address any uncertainties in respect of payment of salaries, employment status of workers, workplace governance and other pertinent issues which were considered necessary to regulate during these period.
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