The National Council of Provinces unanimously approved the Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill on Wednesday, aimed at better protection of domestic workers, among others.
The Bill was tabled to correct unintended consequences arising from the principle Act.
Among the changes is a provision to extend full benefits to domestic workers who have more than one employer, and the right to benefits for a worker whose employer dies.
The Bill states that domestic workers with multiple employers will be considered partially unemployed if they lose one or more of their jobs. This will entitle them to compensation to make up for the lost pay.
Other amendments include broadening the ambit of the law to include seasonal workers, who were previously excluded from receiving benefits, and ensuring pensioners employed as domestic workers do not contribute to the fund.
Persons receiving state old-age pensions do not qualify for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits.
The issue of maternity leave is also addressed.
The Bill has already been passed in the National Assembly, and will now go to President Thabo Mbeki for enactment. — Sapa