Employment Equity is not
something which companies should take lightly. When the Employment Equity
Amendment Bill becomes a reality, companies could face fines of between
R1.5-million (for having no previous contraventions), up to R2.7-million
(for four previous contraventions in respect of the same provision within three
years). For most companies this would have serious repercussions. Businesses
are currently pleading for the red tape to be cut and an easing of the labour
laws, however there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the decision that
needs to be made by the National Economic Development and Labour Council.
One of the key aspects that the
Department of Labour looks at when doing an audit is whether or not there is an
Employment Equity committee in place, how they were elected onto the committee,
how often the committee meets, were minutes taken, etc. All of the
documentation pertaining to this is extremely important and needs to be
flawless. Are you aware of what documentation needs to be in place in order to
ensure that you are compliant? Have you ensured that you have created and
monitored the required actions when it comes to this year’s Employment Equity
submission?