National minimum wage is up for annual review

THE NATIONAL Minimum Wage Commission has invited all interested parties to submit written representations concerning possible adjustments to the national minimum wage (NMW) for 2022.

These representations will be considered by the commission before it publishes its annual report and recommendations on the annual review of the national minimum wage later in the year.

In February, the NMW for each ordinary hour worked was increased from R20.76 to R21.69 for the year 2021.

The NMW legislation in South Africa originally came into effect in January 2019 at a level of R20 per hour.

In considering the annual adjustment, the NMW Commission said it took into account inflation, the cost of living and the need to retain the value of the minimum wage; gross domestic product; wage levels and collective bargaining outcomes; productivity; ability of employers to carry on their businesses successfully; the operation of small, medium or micro enterprises and new enterprises; and the likely impact of the recommendation adjustment on employment and the creation of employment.

It said comments and representations should reach the directorate: Employment Standards, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001 or be sent to nmwreview@labour.gov.za by October 1.

– BUSINESS REPORT