3 ways to keep yourself safe at work

30 August 2015 - 02:00 By Margaret Harris

If you are employed, you should have a contract that sets out the terms and conditions of your employment. This is the case whether you are a full-time, part-time or contract worker. Madelein van der Watt, the development manager at Sage Pastel Payroll and HR, says: "This document can be something as simple as a one-page letter or a formal document that outlines these terms and conditions."A contract is required by law (the Basic Conditions of Employment Act), and helps you understand what is expected of you at work. "It also gives you clarity about your remuneration and benefits. A lack of a contract could lead to disputes and misunderstandings."A contract requires, among other things, the full names and addresses of employer and employee; the employee's tasks, places of work and working hours; payment details; leave the worker is entitled to; and the notice period.story_article_left1Van der Watt has the following advice on an employment contract:1) Both employee and employer must sign the contract. If your terms of employment change in any way, insist that this is reflected on your contract;2) When a contract is up, you need to extend it with a new one. If your employer refuses to do so, you can insist on being appointed to a permanent position. The employer's lack of action can be interpreted as an intention to make you a permanent employee; and3) Under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, all workers are entitled to leave, sick leave, working hours and overtime. You can never be forced to sign away any of these rights in a contract of employment. If a contract sets conditions less favourable than those prescribed by the act, the contract is considered invalid...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.