Employment equity legislation under spotlight at seminar

"Proposed changes to the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) legislation are set to impact on businesses in various ways, including the approach to the employment equity legislation," explains Owen. "The BBBEE amendments will make it compulsory for businesses with a turnover above the threshold, to comply with employment equity legislation and submit employment equity reports to the Department of Labour. Employers that do not comply with the employment equity legislation will not be entitled to any points on the employment equity element of the BBBEE scorecard. Many business employing fewer than 50 employees now fall over the turnover thresholds and must comply with the Act."

Keep abreast of changes

Falling foul of the employment equity legislation may result in fines of up to R900 000 from the Department of Labour under the current legislation. Under the proposed new employment equity legislation, fines of up to 10% of turnover may be imposed on non-compliant companies and organisations. "It is absolutely imperative that all businesses covered by the employment equity and BBBEE legislation keep abreast of these changes." says Owen. "The changes need to be taken into account when considering one's strategic intent. Failure to comply with either the employment equity or BBBEE legislation may mean your strategic intent will fail simply due to your own lack of knowledge".

The half-day seminar include speakers such as Pearl Maphoshe, the HR director of Massmart, Richard Pemberton, an expert in recent case law from Garlicke & Bousfield, Lindani Sibisi from the Department of Labour, Winston Owen of Owen, Adendorff & Associates on practical points and probable changes to legislation, and Les Owen on employment equity strategies.