Tag: Workforce Staffing Solutions

Following the rise of a second COVID-19 wave in many countries, vaccines are in high demand. While desperate to resume pre-pandemic operations, businesses in South Africa find themselves in a tricky position. Should they enforce vaccinating workers to ensure a safe work environment, as well as operational continuity? If so, they risk a legal battle with employees who have a constitutional right to refuse the vaccination in order to have their religious customs and beliefs respected.

For many businesses, the post-COVID-19 world has highlighted the benefits of outsourcing at least part of their workforce. However, confusion creeps in when it comes to the difference between Temporary Employment Services (TES) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

According to all Acts that pertain to employment, Temporary Employment Service (TES) providers are regarded as the employer of any TES worker placed within a given organisation. However, according to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, the TES provider is not regarded as the employer, which means the responsibility of the employees’ health and safety lies with the organisation itself.

South Africa has a complex labour environment, and depending on the industry a business operates in or the specific operational needs of the business, the laws applicable may differ. This landscape can become immensely complex to navigate, which is exacerbated further when it comes to flexible or part-time work, temporary or contract employment.

Times are tough. A number of factors such as the increasing petrol price, the impending new minimum wage and ever more competitive business landscape, have many companies feeling the pinch and exploring creative ways to minimise costs and maximise profits.