An interesting article appeared in our Press recently stating that chronic health conditions are often not as bad as the attendance record of those who are merely malingerers. Sick leave is done on a three-year cycle and in fact an enormous amount of this sick leave is often taken for no reason whatsoever. It should be noted that the legislation recommends a sick certificate for 2 days or more but not for the single day taken from time to time. There is a trend for employers to put into employment contracts the requirement of a sick certificate if a Monday or a Friday is taken off or the day before or after a public holiday. Furthermore, if a trend is noticed it is recommended that employers point this trend out to the employee concerned and follow up with warning letters and with the recommendation of a possible investigation into the condition. The mere warning often corrects the situation and these trends are reversed.

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

W.Tel no.: 021-4233959
Fax: 021-4232105
Cell: 0824338714
E-mail: bernard@capelabour.co.za
Website: www.capelabour.co.za