In addition to being issued and signed by medical practitioner, the BCEA importantly requires that the certificate should specify that the employee was too ill, or injured, to work for the entire period of his or her absence.

A valid medical certificate should also:

1. Show the date on which it was issued.
2. Show the date on which the employee was examined.
3. Stipulate whether the medical practitioner or registered nurse performed a medical examination on the employee or whether the employee communicated his symptoms to the medical practitioner or registered nurse.
4. Describe in general terms only the broad nature of the illness or affliction.
5. Contain the issuer’s name, qualifications, address and a contactable telephone number.

If a certificate does not meet the above criteria then you would, in our opinion, be entitled to refuse to pay the employee for any ill health absenteeism until such time as he or she presented you with a ‘proper’ medical certificate.

If an employee is absent for ill health reasons for not more than two consecutive days in an eight week period, or not more than two occasions during an eight week period, then he or she is not required to produce a medical certificate in order to be paid for such absences.

For further information on any labour related matters, you can contact
Bernard Reisner:

W.Tel no.: 021 423 3959
Fax: 021 423 2105
Cell: 082 433 8714
E-mail: bernard@capelabour.co.za
Website: www.capelabour.co.za