Johannesburg, 12 Jan 2021
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) received 28 000 retrenchment cases from May to June 2020 during the lockdown. In August it revealed it had received 190 large-scale retrenchment referrals and 1 307 small-scale retrenchment referrals in that month alone. While the numbers may be slowly dropping as the lockdown eases, it is important that organisations have a clear understanding of the regulations that come with retrenchment and how to ensure that both employee and business are protected.
According to Nicol Myburgh, Head: CRS Technologies HCM Business Unit, there are a lot of considerations that go with retrenchment and a Section 189 dismissal, and it is critical that these are carried out in accordance with the letter of the law.
“It is a very difficult time for business – the lockdown has exacerbated an already fragile economy and many companies are struggling and going into retrenchment procedures,” he explains. “However, retrenchment is complex and there are pitfalls that need to be avoided so as to not end up falling foul of the CCMA and the law.”
The role of the CCMA is to mediate the process of retrenchment and ensure it is done fairly and correctly. The role of the business is to ensure the paperwork and regulations are adhered to so employees are taken care of correctly. Companies have to know how to undertake this process properly, clearly outlining the financial reasons and issues that have brought them to this point.
“Companies need to know the ins and outs of retrenchment regulations and paperwork,” says Myburgh. “Retrenchments are 99% procedural, so if you miss a step or do something wrong, you are immediately procedurally unfair and the CCMA will grant an arbitration award to the employee.”
The first step the business needs to take is to issue a Section 189 letter that informs employees that you’re embarking on a retrenchment process. There are 21 items that have to be covered in this letter, and if even one is missing, you’re putting your business at risk.
Once you’ve released the letter, you can then set a date for consultations and this is when you will need to discuss the retrenchment process with employees, and sometimes unions. Any discussions and negotiations have to be put in writing, otherwise you are opening yourself up to complications. Once these processes have been completed, you will need to make specific payments at a specific time, and you have to provide people with very clear deadlines and notice periods.
It’s a little known fact that the principle of 'last in, first out' is not one that the business is forced to adhere to. Many companies believe they’re locked in to this method and have to get rid of the last people they hired. This is not true. There are different methods for retrenchment that do not involve you having to dismiss your top performers. You can manage this process by working with a consultant who can help you identify the best route through the retrenchment process and help you manage morale, paperwork and procedure as carefully as possible.
“As much as it’s an extra cost at a time when costs are tight, it’s worth getting a consultant to help you go through retrenchment processes so you are completely aligned with the law,” concludes Myburgh. “If you’re not a specialist, it can be daunting to follow each employee case and ensure that every box is correctly ticked and that both business and employees are protected. A specialist will not only support you in getting the paperwork right, but will help you manage your people and processes correctly.”
For more information, go to: https://www.crs.co.za/.
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CRS Technologies
CRS Technologies is a leading provider of solutions and services to the growing human capital management industry.
Following its establishment in 1985, the Johannesburg-based company quickly found its niche in the HR, people management and payroll sector and soon matured into the specialist of choice for blue chip organisations and SMMEs throughout Africa.
Today CRS is acknowledged as the most proficient HR and payroll solutions company on the continent, underpinned by solutions and services that help create workplaces of inspired, engaged and rewarded employees. Our approach to market is about maximising value between employer and employee, integrated with innovative technology that unlocks human potential and grows businesses.
CRS achieves competitive advantage through its commitment to global best practice in HCM and its drive to transform HR departments into strategic, valued-added business units, be it through bespoke software and services or shared industry insight.
For more info, go to www.crs.co.za