The Employment Services Act now law

The Employment Services Act, No 4 of 2004 (ESA) became law on 9 August 2015. The only section not yet in force is s13 which deals with the registration of private employment agencies.

In short, the ESA:

·        Repeals the Employment Services provisions contained in the Skills Development Act, No 97 of 1998 (SDA).

·        Is designed to establish productivity within South Africa, decrease levels of unemployment, and provide for the training of unskilled workers.

·        Provides for the creation of a Public Employment Service, which will be established and managed by the State, to provide state assistance to unemployed job seekers. The Public Employment Service will:

o   Register job seekers and employers (placement opportunities) and try to match them.

o   Provide training for unskilled job seekers and give the unemployed access to career information. Employers in certain industries may be required to register vacancies and specific categories of work with the Public Employment Service. Employers may also be required to interview individuals recommended by the Public Employment Service and pay license fees to assist in funding the Public Employment Service.

Time will tell…