Laura Macfarlane

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New Zealand court says Uber drivers are employees

By Laura Macfarlane on December 20, 2022 Posted in General, South Africa

This blog was co-authored by Heidi Davis, Candidate Attorney In an October 2022 judgment, the New Zealand Employment Courts concluded that Uber drivers are employees who are entitled to the protection and benefits offered by their employment law. This decision will encourage voices advocating for the rights of Gig workers globally to be aligned with … Continue reading

Reserving low skilled jobs for South Africans is not likely to pass constitutional muster

By Laura Macfarlane on April 20, 2022 Posted in South Africa

This blog was co-authored by Thando Ndita, candidate attorney Last month the Minister of Employment and Labour published proposed amendments to the Employment Services Act, 2014, the purpose of which is to address high unemployment and the “high representation of foreign nationals” in the unskilled sector. Foreign nationals include all persons who are not South … Continue reading

Six things you need to know about doing business during Alert Level 1

By Jason Whyte and Laura Macfarlane on November 4, 2020 Posted in Coronavirus, South Africa

The national state of disaster has been extended to 15 November 2020, and a further extension is imminent. Employers must become comfortable with the regulatory framework under alert level 1. Here are six things to keep in mind to ensure your business is compliant. Risk assessments and workplace plans An employer is required to have … Continue reading

Five steps to take when an employee tests positive for COVID-19 in the workplace

By Jason Whyte and Laura Macfarlane on November 4, 2020 Posted in Coronavirus, South Africa

With more employers embracing the return to work, employers must be up to speed on what is currently required when an employee becomes infected with COVID-19 at the workplace. Here are 5 practical steps to take when an employee is infected at your workplace: Step 1: Report If an employee is confirmed to have contracted … Continue reading