Employers accused of not paying out UIF

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Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi has appealed to employers to ensure that workers receive the money disbursed to them by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for the COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme.

This follows after several workers complained to the Department with allegations that their employers had not paid them the money from the UIF. 

The funds are meant to provide temporary relief for workers who are at home or to at least meet some of their salary demands.

Minister Nxesi said to date, R9 billion has been paid in COVID-19 relief.

He said the UIF provided the employers with a breakdown of how much each worker should be paid.

Nxesi also highlighted that some employers still have outstanding information regarding claims which needed to be forwarded as soon as possible.

To date the fund has paid:

• R 8 836 010 295.56 to 114 661 employers for 1 525 308 workers
• R152 031 601.04 paid through 845 bargaining councils affecting 56 456 workers
• R1 295 078 468.38 in ordinary benefits

Minister Nxesi said it was now in the hands of employers to ensure that workers receive the monies due to them.