Les Owen sheds the light on employment equity act

"Proposed changes to the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Legislation are set to impact on businesses in various ways, including the approach to the Employment Equity Legislation," explains Owen.

"The BEE amendments will make it compulsory for businesses with a turnover above the threshold, to comply with Employment Equity Legislation and submit Employment Equity reports to the Department of Labour.

Employers that do not comply with the Employment Equity Legislation will not be entitled to any points on the Employment Equity element of the BEE scorecard. Many business employing fewer than 50 employees now fall over the turnover thresholds and must comply with the Act. Something, which many smaller business are not aware of."

Falling foul of the Employment Equity Legislation may result in fines of up to R900 000 from the Department of Labour under the current Legislation. Under the proposed new EE Legislation, fines of up to 10% of turnover may be imposed on non-compliant companies and organizations.

"It is absolutely imperative that all businesses covered by the Employment Equity and BEE Legislation keep abreast of these changes." says Owen. "The changes need to be taken into account when considering one's strategic intent. Failure to comply with either the Employment Equity or BEE Legislation may mean your strategic intent will fail simply due to your own lack of knowledge".

The half-day seminar is recommended for company heads and relevant managers. Featured speakers include Pearl Maphoshe the HR Director of Massmart, Richard Pemberton, an expert in recent Case Law from Garlicke & Bousfield, Lindani Sibisi from the Department of Labour Inspector, Winston Owen of Owen, Adendorff & Associates on Practical Points and Probable changes to Legislation and Les Owen on EE Strategies. The seminar will provide insights into effective Employment Equity strategies, best practice criteria, expectations of the Department of Labour, case law on Employment Equity, records required and affirming the disabled.

"We have had so many requests from a broad range of clients and businesses to help them unpack the EE and the proposed legislation, that we thought it would be useful to present all the information in a seminar which will enable participants to come to grips with the issues at hand. This is an opportunity for participants to dive in and ask questions, raise concerns and to think about how these laws apply to their companies." says Owen.

The seminar takes place on Tuesday, September 18 from 08:30 to 12:30 at the Durban Country Club. For more information or to book contact Bronwyn on 031-7003151 or emailbronwyn@owenaden.co.za. Cost is R969 per person.