This scholarly book focuses on the issue of high unemployment and the challenges related thereto in South Africa. It demonstrates the urgent need for research into the contribution of job creation to poverty alleviation and economic growth. This research is relevant from a legal, economic and social sciences point of view. The main thesis of the book is to explore the influence of labour legislation on job creation. It investigates sustainability regarding employment relationships through the lens of the two primary participants: business and organised labour. This book adds value to the social justice context from both a societal and business point of view. It provides business and unionised labour a voice from which the influence of labour legislation on job creation and job sustainability can be addressed.

Raising South Africa’s low employment rate to levels seen in emerging market or advanced economy peers could raise GDP per capita by 50 to 60 percent and reduce income inequality dramatically in the long term. By putting further strain on an already fragile labor market, Covid-19 has raised the urgency of action. This paper reviews labor market policy and other reform options to enhance South Africa’s job market performance, drawing from international evidence and new analysis. We find much scope for improving the design of key labor market institutions—including collective bargaining and employment protection legislation—and active labor market policies to improve job seekers’ prospects. These reforms should come hand-in-hand with others, such as in the areas of education or product market regulation, that may work pay. Labor market and other reforms would primarily benefit disadvantaged groups such as youth.

Detailed attention to compliance with labour and employment laws is crucial for success in setting up business in a foreign country. This book - one of a series derived from Kluwer’s matchless publication International Labour and Employment Compliance Handbook - focuses on the relevant laws and regulations in South Africa. It is thoroughly practical in orientation. Employers and their counsel can be assured that it fulfills the need for accurate and detailed knowledge of laws in South Africa on all aspects of employment, from recruiting to termination, working conditions, compensation and benefits to collective bargaining. The volume proceeds in a logical sequence through such topics as the following: written and oral contracts interviewing and screening evaluations and warnings severance pay reductions in force temporary workers trade union rights wage and hour laws employee benefits workers’ compensation safety and environmental regulations immigration law compliance restrictive covenants anti-discrimination laws employee privacy rights dispute resolution recordkeeping requirements A wealth of practical features such as checklists of do’s and don’ts, step-by-step compliance measures, applicable fines and penalties, and much more contribute to the book’s day-to-day usefulness. Easy to understand for lawyers and non-lawyers alike, this book is sure to be welcomed by business executives and human resources professionals, as well as by corporate counsel and business lawyers.