Employers unable to meet full salaries should seek UIF help

PRETORIA – The department of employment and labour on Thursday urged employers across South Africa who are unable to pay employees’ full salaries as a result of the coronavirus to approach it for help. 

Makhosonke Buthelezi, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) director of communication and marketing, told African News Agency (ANA) that many employers had taken heed of the call, and that at least 27 000 applications had been received since the national lockdown to curtail the spread of Covid-19.  

“Employers who are unable to pay the full salaries of workers during the lockdown period can apply for the Covid19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (Covid19TERS). Employers are advised to send their applications to [email protected],” said Buthelezi. 

Enquiries about the scheme can be made on 0800 030 007, which operates from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm. 

UIF has relaxed its processes in a bid to minimise physical contact during lockdown.