Nxesi hits out at companies forcing workers take annual leave during lockdown

The Minister of Labour and Employment Thulas Nxesi on Tuesday hit out at companies who have “forced” their employees take their annual leave during the nationwide lockdown.

Nxesi said his department is receiving concerns from workers and unions that some employers are seeking to shift the burden of the lockdown onto the workers, using their annual leave as the first line of response to the lockdown.

“We are also getting complaints from workers that their employers have instructed them to take unpaid leave during this lockdown,” Nxesi said.

“We do understand that in terms of the leave determination, employers can compel employees to take leave at any time as they deem fit. However, this is a unique situation, that requires all of us to act in a manner that promotes social solidarity.”

South African workers have taken to social media, complaining that thier employers had directed them to take their annual leave during the 21-day shutdown that began on Friday.

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