In South Africa, companies are used to giving their employees time off for Christian religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas. They fall within the “statutory” 12 public holidays annually. But what do you do if your employees have other religions and need time off for their own religious holidays?

Policy 

The Company recognizes that the employees may wish to observe festivals and holy days required by their religious beliefs. The Company will not unreasonably refuse employees annual leave for the purpose of their religion. Nevertheless, in order to be able to cater for the operational requirements of the Company, such leave:

  • Must be applied for in terms of annual leave policy i.e. one week prior if leave required is one day and three weeks prior if the leave is two or more days.
  • Timing of leave periods must take into account the demands of the job during the period applied for. Leave forms must be completed in advance and approved in terms of the annual leave policy.
  • The employees must ensure that they have sufficient accrued annual leave to cover the number of days of leave required.

CONTACT CAPE LABOUR.

For more information about maternity leave or any other labour law advice or services. Please feel free to contact us at Cape Labour Consultants and we will gladly assist you. Cape Labour & Industrial Consultants is a Cape Town-based providing Labour Law (Industrial Relations) and advice to employers and employees across all market segments and industries since 1987.

For more information or to Contact Cape Labour. You can find all of our relevant details here.
W.Tel no.: 021-423-3959
Cell: 082-433-8714
Fax: 021-4232105
E-mail: bernard@capelabour.co.za
Website: www.capelabour.co.za