South African fast food chains have moved to distance themselves from a "zero-hours" employment policy - in which companies do not guarantee employees work - that is being practiced by their counterparts in Britain.
This comes after the UK's Guardian newspaper revealed on Tuesday that McDonald's has emerged as potentially the biggest zero-hours employer in the private sector after admitting that it employs 90% of its entire workforce in Britain - or 82 800 staff - on the controversial terms.
Subway, well-known for its subs and sandwiches, was also found to be engaging in the practice.
A Subway contract in the newspaper's possession stated: "The company has no duty to provide you with work. Your hours of work are not predetermined and will be notified to you on a weekly basis as soon as is reasonably practicable in advance by your store manager. The company has the right to require you to work varied or extended hours from time to time."
The findings have been blasted by British MPs, who said the food chains should offer staff minimum guaranteed hours.
However South African chains said no such policy existed at their outlets. Furthermore, staff are employed full-time with many benefits offered to employees.
"We can confirm that McDonald's South Africa does not have a "zero hour" policy or
contract. All of our employees are permanently employed with guaranteed hours," McDonald's South Africa corporate affairs director Sechaba Motsieloa told Algoa FM News.
"Energised and engaged people are at the core of McDonald's SA success in the last couple of years. We employ over 9 500 people and are proud to have been voted the 'Best Company To Work for' for three consecutive years."
The company also provides a number of benefits to its employees, including medical aid, a pension or provident fund, group life assurance, disability cover and funeral cover.
KFC confirmed it also has no zero hour policy in place.
"At an absolute minimum, we strictly apply the requirements of both the Basic Conditions of Employment and Labour Relations Acts," said KFC spokeswoman Gail Sham.
"In addition to this, we have contracts in place with all our staff which stipulate the minimum number of working hours."
She said KFC's staff were at the "heart and soul of its business.
"We give a lot of attention to how they get treated by us as employees."
John Harvey
