OWN CORRESPONDENT, Cape Town | Thursday
Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana says the government’s investigation into reducing working hours to 40 hours a week is expected to be released soon.
Refusing to divulge details of the report, Mdladlana told a media briefing at parliament that it would be “exciting” for business and labour. South African workers currently work a 45-hour week.
The report will be tabled in parliament and the labour portfolio committee will be first to debate its contents.
“The investigation indentifies a set of conditions and circumstances under which it is feasible to introduce a 40-hour week,” Madladlana said.
The minister said government was attempting to maintain the “elusive” balance between labour market efficiency and proper labour standards.