0% found this document useful (0 votes)
10 views15 pages

Human Resources Function Overview

Chapter 2 of the Human Resources Function covers essential HR activities including recruitment, selection, induction, placement, and salary determination. It outlines the procedures and implications of each activity, as well as relevant legislation affecting HR practices. The chapter serves as a comprehensive guide for Grade 12 Business Studies students, detailing key terms, definitions, and processes involved in effective human resource management.

Uploaded by

hlengiwesitole97
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
10 views15 pages

Human Resources Function Overview

Chapter 2 of the Human Resources Function covers essential HR activities including recruitment, selection, induction, placement, and salary determination. It outlines the procedures and implications of each activity, as well as relevant legislation affecting HR practices. The chapter serves as a comprehensive guide for Grade 12 Business Studies students, detailing key terms, definitions, and processes involved in effective human resource management.

Uploaded by

hlengiwesitole97
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

PAPER 1

BUSINESS STUDIES

GRADE 12
TERM ONE
REVISED CHAPTER 2
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPICS PAGES
Examination guidelines for human resources 2-3
Terms and definitions 3-4
Recruitment 4-7
Selection 7-10
Induction 10-11
Placement 11-12
Importance of training 12
Salary determination 12
Link between salary determination & BCEA 12
Fringe benefits 13-14
Implication of Acts on HR 14-15

This chapter consists of 15 pages

1
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

CONTENT DETAILS FOR TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT


PURPOSES

HUMAN RESOURCE ACTIVITIES: REFER TO PAGE 12-14 OF THE 2020 EXAM


GUIDELINES

RECRUITMENT
 Explain/Elaborate on the meaning of recruitment.
 Outline/Discuss/Explain the recruitment procedure.
 Explain the meaning of job a analysis.
 Differentiate/Distinguish between job description and job specification as
components of a job analysis.
 Identify job description and job specification from given statements/scenarios.
 Identify methods of recruitment
 (internal/external recruitment) from given scenarios/statements
 Explain/Discuss/Analyse the impact (positives/advantages and/or
negatives/disadvantages of the above mentioned methods of recruitment.
 Identify/Give examples of sources of internal/external recruitment from given
scenarios/statements.

SELECTION
 Outline/Discuss/Explain the selection procedure.
 Explain the meaning of screening as part of the selection procedure.
 Discuss/Explain the purpose of an interview.
 Outline/Explain/Discuss the role of the interviewer before and during the interview.
 Outline/Explain/Discuss the role of the interviewee during the interview.
 Define/Elaborate on the meaning of an employment contract.
 Name/Outline/Mention the details/aspects/ contents of an employment contract.
 Outline/Explain/Discuss the legal requirements legalities of the employment contract.
 Analyse an employment contract from given scenarios and make recommendations
for improvement.
 Outline/Explain/Discuss the reasons for the termination of an employment contract.

INDUCTION
 Define/Elaborate on the meaning of induction.
 Outline/Explain/Discuss the purpose of induction.
 Mention/Outline aspects that must be included in the induction programme.
 Evaluate an induction programme from given scenarios and make recommendations
for improvement.
 Discuss/Explain the advantages/benefits of induction for businesses.
 Identify the benefit of induction from given scenarios.

PLACEMENT
 Elaborate on the meaning of placement
 Outline/Explain/Discuss the placement procedure.
 Explain/Discuss/the importance of training/skills development in HR

2
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

FRINGE BENEFITS
 Explain/Differentiate/Distinguish between piece meal and time-related salary
determination methods.
 Explain the link between salary determination and the Basic Conditions of
Employment Act.

COMPULSORY BENEFITS
 Name/Mention/Give examples of employee benefits e.g.
o Pension
o Medical aid
o Provident fund
o Allowances
 Compulsory benefits:
 Benefits required by law, e.g. UIF, etc.
 Explain/Discuss/Evaluate advantages/positives and/or disadvantages/negatives of
fringe benefits to business.

LEGISLATION
 Discuss the implications of the LRA/ BCEA/EEA/SDA on the human resources
function.

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS


Term Definition
Job analysis The term “job analysis” refers to the components of job description and job
specification as it relates to employees within an organisation.
Job description Describes the duties and responsibilities of a specific job.

Job specification Describes the minimum acceptable personal qualities/skills/ qualifications


needed for the job.
Recruitment Recruitment is the process used by business to identify vacancies in the
business and attract suitable candidates for it.
Internal recruitment Refers to the use of internal sources to advertise vacancies within an
organisation.
External recruitment Refers to the use of external sources to advertise vacancies within an
organisation.
Interview Refers to a conversation between a job applicant and a representative of an
employer which is conducted to assess whether the applicant should be hired
for a vacancy.
Interviewer Refers to the representative of an employer conducting the interview.

Interviewee Refers to the job applicant who made himself available for the interview after
being shortlisted.
Induction Refers to the process of introducing new employees to the business and its
related aspects.
Placement Process whereby a new employee is placed in a vacant position.

Training/Skills Refers to the acquisition of new skills and [Link] employees.


development
Retrenchment Process whereby an organisation reduces the number of employees for
operational reasons.

3
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

Employment Oral or written agreement specifying terms and conditions under which a
contract person consents to perform certain duties in return for an agreed upon wage
or salary.
Piece-meal salary Workers are paid according to the number of items/units produced.
determination
Time-related salary Workers are paid for the amount of time they spend at work/on a task.
determination
Fringe benefits Compensation beyond a regular wage or salary to an employee, which are
exempt from taxation as long as certain conditions are met.
Compulsory benefits Refers to benefits that businesses are legally required to offer its employees.
UIF The fund offers short-term financial assistance to workers when they become
unemployed or are unable to work because of illness, maternity or adoption
leave.
BCEA This Act regulates labour practices and sets out the rights and duties of
employees and employer.
LRA Ensures social justice by establishing the rights and duties of employers and
employees in the workplace.
EEA Requires employers to engage in proactive employment practices to increase
the representation of designated groups in the workplace.
SDA This act regulates the improvement of the skills of workers by promoting
education and training in the workplace.

1 HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITIES

1.1 RECRUITMENT
Meaning of recruitment
 Recruitment is the process used by businesses to identify vacancies in the business and
attract suitable candidates for it.
 It aims at finding candidates who have the necessary knowledge/ experience/
qualification to fill the vacancy.
 Businesses may choose to use an internal or external method of recruitment depending
on the nature/requirements of the vacancy.
 It is an on-going process as employees leave their jobs for other jobs/get promoted
/retire/as new technological skills are required.

Recruitment procedure
 The human resource manager should evaluate the job/prepare a job analysis, that
includes the job specification/job description/in order to identify recruitment needs.
 The human resource manager (HRM) should prepare the job description in order to
identify recruitment needs.
 HRM should indicate the job specification/description/key performance areas to attract
suitable candidates.
 Choose the method of recruitment, e.g. internal/external, to reach/target the suitable
applicants/candidates.
 Vacancies can be internally advertised via internal email/word of mouth/ posters/staff
notices.
 If the external recruitment is chosen, the relevant recruitment sources should be
selected, e.g. recruitment agencies/tertiary institutions/ newspapers, etc
 If internal recruitment is unsuccessful, external recruitment should be considered.
 If the external recruitment is done, the relevant recruitment source should be selected,
e.g. recruitment agencies, tertiary institutions, newspapers,

4
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

 The advertisement should be prepared with the relevant information, e.g. the name of
the company, contact details, contact person, etc.
 Place the advertisement in the appropriate media that will ensure that the best
candidates apply.
NOTE: The procedure can be in any order

1.2 Differences between job description and job-specification


JOB DESCRIPTION JOB SPECIFICATION
 Describes duties/responsibilities of a  Specifies the minimum acceptable
specific job/summary of the nature personal qualities/ skills/ qualifications
/type of the job. needed for the job.
 Written description of the job and its  Written description of specific
requirements qualifications/ skills/ experience needed
for the job.
 Describes key performance areas/  Describes key requirements of the person
tasks for a specific job, e.g. job who will fill the position, e.g. formal
title/working conditions/relationship of qualifications/willingness to travel/work
the job with other jobs in the business, unusual hours, etc.
etc.

1.3 TYPES/METHODS OF RECRUITMENT


INTERNAL RECRUITMENT AND EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT

INTERNAL RECRUITMENT
 Refers to the use of internal sources to advertise vacancies inside the business.

Sources of Internal recruitment


 Internal e-mails/Intranet/web sites to staff
 Word of mouth
 Business newsletter/circulars
 Internal/management referrals
 Notice board of the business
 Internal bulletins
 Recommendation of current employees
 Head hunting within the business/organisational database.

IMPACT OF INTERNAL RECRUITMENT


Positives/Advantages
 Cheaper/Quicker to fill the post.
 Provides opportunities for career paths within the business.
 Reduces the chances of losing employees, as future career prospects are available
 Placement is easy, as management knows the employees' skills/personality/
experience/strengths.
 The employee already has an understanding of how the business operates./
Induction/Training is not always necessary.
 Detailed, reliable information can be obtained from the supervisors/
Employee records.
AND/OR

5
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

Negative/Disadvantages
 It may close the door to new ideas from outsiders.
 Employees who are not promoted may feel demotivated
 The promotion of an employee could cause resentment among other employees.
 The number of applicants from which to choose is limited to existing staff only.
 It is possible to promote certain employees who do not really have the required skills
for the new job.
 The business has to spend more money on training/developing existing
employees on the new position.

EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT
 Refers to the use of external sources to advertise vacancies outside the business.

Sources of external recruitment


 Recruitment agencies
 Bill boards
 Printed media, e.g. newspapers/flyers/magazines/posters
 Electronic media, e.g. radio/TV
 Social media/Social networks/Internet/Business websites
 Recruitment agencies
 Walk-ins
 Head hunting
 Professional associations
 Networking
 Educational/Training institutions
 Word of mount

1.4 IMPACT OF EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT

Positives/Advantages
 New candidates bring new talents/ideas/experiences/skills into the business.
 There is a larger pool of candidates to choose from.
 It may help the business to meet affirmative action and BBBEE targets.
 Minimises unhappiness/conflict amongst current employees who may have
applied for the post
 There is a better chance of getting a suitable candidate with the required
skills/qualifications/competencies who do not need much training/ development which
reduce costs.

AND/OR

Negatives/Disadvantages
 Information on CV's/referees may not be reliable.
 Many unsuitable applications can slow down the selection process.
 New candidates generally take longer to adjust to a new work environment.
 External sources can be expensive, e.g. recruitment agencies' fees/advertisements
in newspapers/magazines.
 The selection process may not be effective and an incompetent candidate may
be chosen.

6
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

 Recruitment process takes longer/is more expensive as background checks


must be conducted.
 In-service training may be needed which decreases productivity during the time
of training.

2 SELECTION
2.1 Selection procedure
Option 1
 Determine fair assessment criteria on which selection will be based.
 Applicants must submit the application forms/curriculum vitae and certified copies
of personal documents/IDs/proof of qualifications, etc.
 Sort the received documents/CVs according to the assessment/selection criteria.
 Screen/Determine which applications meet the minimum job requirements and
separate these from the rest.
 Preliminary interviews are conducted if many suitable applications were
received.
 Reference checks should be made to verify the contents of CV's, e.g. contact
previous employers to check work experience.
 Compile a shortlist of potential candidates identified.
 Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to various types of selection tests e.g.
skills tests, etc.
 Invite shortlisted candidates for an interview.
 A written offer is made to the selected candidate.
 Inform unsuccessful applicants about the outcome of their application./Some
adverts indicate the deadline for informing only successful candidates.
NOTE: The procedure can be in any order

Option 2
 Receive documentation, e.g. application forms and sort it according to the criteria
of the job.
 Evaluate CVs and create a shortlist/Screen the applicants.
 Check information in the CVs and contact references.
 Conduct preliminary sifting interviews to identify applicants who are not suitable
for the job, although they meet all requirements.
 Assess/Test candidates who have applied for senior positions/to ensure the best
candidate is chosen.
 Conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates.
 Offer employment in writing to the selected candidate(s).

Screening as part of the selection procedure


 Check application documents against the requirements of the job.
 Candidates who meet the minimum requirements are separated from others.
 Do background/credit/reference checks of applicants who qualify for the job.
 Prepare a shortlist of suitable candidates after screening.

7
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

2.2 Purpose of an interview


 To determine a candidate's suitability for the job.
 Obtains information about the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate.
 Evaluate the skills and personal characteristics of the applicant
 Helps the employer in choosing/making an informed decision about the most
suitable candidate.
 Matches information provided by the applicant to the job requirements.
 Creates an opportunity where information about the business and applicant can
be exchanged.

Role of the interviewer when PREPARING/BEFORE the interview


 Book and prepare the venue for the interview.
 Inform all shortlisted candidates about the date and place of the interview.
 Set the interview date and ensure that all interviews take place on the same date, if
possible.
 Notify all panel members conducting the interview about the date and place of the
interview.
 The interviewer should develop a core set of questions based on the skills/knowledge/
ability required.
 Check/read the application/verify the CV of every candidate for anything that may
need to be explained.
 Plan the programme for the interview and determine the time that should be allocated
to each candidate.
 Allocate the same amount of time to interview each candidate on the program.

Role of the interviewer and interviewee DURING the interview


Role of the INTERVIEWER during the Role of the INTERVIEWEE during the
interview interview
 Allocate the same amount of time to each  Greet the interviewer by name with a
candidate. solid handshake and a friendly smile.
 Introduce members of the interviewing  Listen carefully to the questions before
panel to each candidate/interviewee. responding.
 Make the interviewee feel at ease.  Make eye contact and have good
 Explain the purpose of the interview to the posture/body language.
panel and the interviewee.  Show confidence and have a positive
 Record interviewees' responses for future attitude/be assertive.
reference.  Be inquisitive and show interest in the
 Do not misinform/mislead the interviewee. business.
 Avoid discriminatory/controversial types of  Ask clarity seeking questions.
questions, e.g. asking a female candidate  Show respect and treat the interview with
about family planning/having children. its due importance.
 Provide an opportunity for the interviewee  Be honest about mistakes and explain
to ask questions. how you dealt with it.
 Close the interview by thanking the  Know your strengths and weaknesses
interviewee for attending the interview and be prepared to discuss it
 Thank the interviewer for the opportunity
given to be part of the interviews.

8
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

3 Meaning of an employment contract


 Employment contract is an agreement between the employer and the employee and
is legally binding.

3.1 Aspects that should be included in an employment contract


 Personal details of the employee.
 Details of the business/employer e.g. name/address, etc.
 Job title/Position
 Job description e.g. duties/ working conditions
 Job specification e.g. formal qualifications/willingness to travel.
 Date of employment/commencement of employment.
 Place where employee will spend most of his/her working time.
 Hours of work, e.g. normal time/overtime.
 Remuneration, e.g. weekly or monthly pay.
 Benefits/Fringe benefits/Perks/Allowances.
 Leave, e.g. sick/maternity/annual/adoption leave.
 Employee deductions (compulsory/non-compulsory).
 Period of contract/Details of termination.
 Probation period.
 Signatures of both the employer and employee.
 List of documents that form part of the contract, e.g. appointment letter/code of
conduct/ethics.
 Disciplinary policy, e.g. rules and disciplinary procedure for unacceptable behaviour

3.2 Legal requirements of the employment contract


 The employer and employee must both sign the contract.
 Employer and employee must agree to any changes to the contract.
 No party may unilaterally change aspects of the employment contract.
 The remuneration package/including benefits must be clearly indicated.
 It may not contain any requirements that are in conflict with the BCEA.
 The employment contract should include a code of conduct and code of ethics.
 Aspects of the employment contract can be renegotiated during the course of
employment.
 The employer must explain the terms and conditions of the employment contract
to the employee.
 Conditions of employment/duties/responsibilities of the employees must be
stipulated clearly.
 All business policies, procedures and disciplinary codes/rules can form part of the
employment contract.
 The employer must allow the employee to thoroughly read through the
contract before it is signed.

3.3 Reasons for terminating an employment contract


 The employer may dismiss an employee for valid reason(s), e.g. unsatisfactory job
performance, misconduct, etc.
 Employer) may no longer have work for redundant employees/cannot fulfil the
contract/is restructuring.
 The employer may retrench some employees due to insolvency/may not be able
to pay the employees.
 Employees decided to leave and resign voluntarily.

9
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

 An employee may have reached the pre-determined age for retirement.


 Incapacity to work due to illness/injuries.
 By mutual agreement between the employer and employee.

4 INDUCTION
Meaning of induction
 New employees are familiarised with their new physical work environment/
organisational culture/products and services.
 New employees are informed about the processes/procedures of the
business.
 New employees should have a basic knowledge of what is expected in the job.
/Understand his role and responsibilities in his new job.
 New employees must be well conversant with the business safety regulations
and rules.

4.1 Purpose of induction


 Introduce new employees to management/colleagues to establish relationships with
fellow colleagues at different levels.
 Give new employees a tour/information about the layout of the building/office
 Make new employees feel welcome by introducing them to their physical work space.
 Improve skills through in-service training
 Familiarise new employees with the organisational structure/their supervisors
 Allow new employees the opportunity to ask questions that will put them at
ease/reduce insecurity/anxiety/fear.
 Create opportunities for new employees to experience/explore different departments.
 Explain safety regulations and rules, so that new employees will understand their
role/responsibilities in this regard.
 Ensure that employees understand their roles/responsibilities so that they will be more
efficient/productive.
 Communicate information about the products/services offered by the business
 Communicate business policies regarding ethical/professional conduct/
procedures/employment contract/conditions of employment, etc.

NOTE: Businesses use the purpose of induction to draw up the induction


programme.

4.2 Aspects to be included in an induction programme


 Introduction to key people and immediate colleagues.
 Safety regulations and rules.
 Overview of the business.
 Tour of the premises.
 Discussion of the employment contract and conditions of service.
 Discussion of employee benefits
 Information about the business products/services.
 Meeting with senior management who will explain the company's vision/value
descriptions/daily tasks.
 Conditions of employment, e.g. working hours/leave application process/disciplinary
procedures, etc.

10
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

 Administration details on systems/processes/logistics.


 Discussion of personnel policies, e.g. making private phone calls/using the Internet,
etc.
 Corporate social responsibility programmes.

4.3 Benefits of induction


 Increases quality of performance/productivity
 Allows new employees to settle in quickly and work effectively.
 Ensures that new employees understands rules and restrictions in the
business.
 New employees may establish relationships with fellow employees at different
Levels.
 Employees will be familiar with organisational structures, e.g. who are their
supervisors/low level manager.
 Make new employees feel at ease in the workplace, which reduces anxiety/
insecurity/fear.
 New employees will understand their role/responsibilities concerning safety
regulations and rules
 Minimises/Decreases the need for on-going training and development.
 The results obtained during the induction process provide a base for focussed
training.
 Opportunities are created for new employees to experience/explore different
Departments
 New employees will know the layout of the building/factory/offices/where
everything is, which saves production time.
 Learn more about the business so that new employees understand their roles/
responsibilities in order to be more efficient.
 Company policies are communicated, regarding conduct and procedures/safety
and security/employment contract/conditions of employment/working hours/leave.
 Realistic expectations for new employees as well as the business are created.
 New employees may feel part of the team resulting in positive morale and
motivation.
 Employees may have a better understanding of business policies regarding
ethical/professional conduct/procedures/CSR, etc.

NOTE: Businesses must benefit from inducting new employees. Do not confuse the
purpose of induction with the benefits.

5 PLACEMENT

5.1 Meaning of placement


 Selected candidates are placed where they will function optimally and add value to
the business.
 A specific job is assigned to the selected candidate.
 The qualifications/skills/personality of the selected candidate is matched with the
requirements of the job.

11
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

5.2 Placement procedure


 Employer should outline specific responsibilities/expectations of the employee new
position.
 The employer should determine the relationship/similarities between the expectations
of the position and the competencies of the employee.
 Determine the employee’s strengths/weaknesses/skills/ interests by subjecting him to
various psychometric tests.

5.3 The importance of training/skills development in HRM


 The employee who receives the necessary training is more able to perform in their
job.
 The investment in training that a company makes shows employees that they are
valued.
 An effective training program allows employees to strengthen their skills.
 Productivity usually increases when the human resources function implements
training courses.
 Ongoing training and up skilling of the workforce, encourages creativity.

6 SALARY DETERMINATION METHODS

DISTINCTION BETWEEN PIECEMEAL AND TIME-RELATED SALARY


DETERMINATION
PIECEMEAL TIME-RELATED
 Workers are paid according to the number  Workers are paid for the amount of time
of items/ units produced /action they spend at work/on a task.
performed.
 Workers are not remunerated for the  Workers with the same
number of hours worked, regardless of experience/qualifications are paid on
how long it takes them to make the items salary scales regardless of the amount
of work done.
 Mostly used in factories particularly in the  Many private and public sector
textile/technology industries. businesses use this method

7 LINK BETWEEN SALARY DETERMINATION AND THE BCEA


 BCEA outlines legalities, such as the employment contract, which may affect salary
determination.
 Payment of salaries should be based on whether the employee is permanent or
employed on a fixed contract
 The BCEA sets out conditions that ensure fair labour and human resources
practices.
 According to the BCEA, businesses may use different remuneration methods to pay
their employees.
 Businesses are supposed to deduct income tax (PAYE) from the employees' taxable
salaries.

12
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

8 FRINGE BENEFITS
8.1 Examples of fringe benefits in the workplace
 Medical Aid Fund/Health Insurance Fund
 Pension Fund
 Provident Fund
 Funeral benefits
 Car/Travel/Housing/Cell phone/Clothing allowance
 Performance based incentives
 Issuing of bonus shares
 Staff discount/Free or low cost meal/Canteen facilities

8.2 BENEFITS REQUIRED BY THE LAW


Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
 The employer and the worker each contribute 1%.
 Employers must pay unemployment insurance contributions of 2% of the value of
each worker’s salary per month
 The fund also assists the dependants of a contributing worker who has died.
 The fund offers short-term financial assistance to workers when they become
unemployed or are unable to work due to illness, maternity or adoption leave.
 Contributions are paid to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or the South
African Revenue Services (SARS).

8.3 IMPACT OF FRINGE BENEFITS ON BUSINESSES


Positives/Advantages
 Improves productivity\ resulting in higher profitability
 Attractive fringe benefit packages may result in higher employee retention/reduces
employee turnover.
 Attracts qualified/skilled/experienced employees who may positively contribute
towards the business goals/objectives
 It increases employee satisfaction/loyalty as they may be willing to go the extra mile.
 Businesses save money as benefits are tax deductible.
 Fringe benefits can be used as leverage for salary negotiations.

AND/OR

Negatives/Disadvantages
 Businesses who cannot offer fringe benefits fail to attract skilled workers.
 It can create conflict/lead to corruption if allocated unfairly.
 Fringe benefits are additional costs that may result in cash flow problems.
 Errors/Mistakes in benefit plans may lead to costly lawsuits/regulatory fines.
 Decreases business profits, as incentive/package/remuneration costs are higher.
 Businesses who offer employees different benefit plans may create resentment to
those who receive less benefit resulting in lower productivity.
 Administrative costs increase as benefits need to be correctly recorded for tax
purposes
 Workers only stay with the business for fringe benefits, and may not be
committed/loyal to the tasks/business.

13
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

 Businesses have to pay advisors/attorneys to help them create benefit plans that
comply with legislation.

9 IMPLICATIONS OF ACTS ON THE HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION

Implications of the Labour Relations Act on the Human Resources Function


 Promotes resolution of labour disputes.
 Protects the rights of employees/employers as outlined in the Constitution.
 Advances economic development/social justice/labour peace.
 Provides for unresolved disputes to be referred to Labour Courts/Labour Appeal
Courts.
 Promotes orderly negotiations and employee participation in decision making in the
workplace.
 Workers cannot be easily dismissed as bargaining council/Commission
for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) processes need to be followed.
 Provides a framework for bilateral meetings where employees, trade unions and
employers discuss matters relating to employment.
 The human resource manager should allow workers to form workplace forums/trade
unions to promote the interests of all employees.
 Clarify the transfer of contracts of employment/If a business is transferred to
another owner then the employee contracts are also transferred.

Implications of the Employment Equity Act on the Human Resources function


 Equal pay for work of equal value.
 Ensure that affirmative action promotes diversity in the workplace.
 The human resources manager must promote/provide equal opportunities in the
workplace.
 Retrain/Develop/Train designated groups through skills development programmes.
 Define the appointment process clearly to ensure all parties are well informed.
 Compile employment equity plans that indicate how they will implement
affirmative action.
 Assign a manager to ensure that the employment equity plan will be implemented/
regularly monitored.
 Display a summary of the Act where employees can clearly see it/have access to it.
 Report to the Department of Labour on the progress in the implementation of the
equity plan.
 Conduct medical/psychological tests fairly to employees/when deemed necessary.
 Ensure that the workplace represents the demographics of the country at all
levels.
 Restructure/Analyse current employment policies/practices/procedures to
accommodate designated groups.

Implication of the Skills Development Act (SDA) on the Human Resources function
 Contribute 1% of their salary bill to the Skills Development Levy/SDL.
 Ensure training in the workplace is formalised /structured
 Appoint a full/part time consultant as a Skills Development Facilitator.
 Assist managers in identifying skills/training needs to help them to introduce
learnerships.

14
HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION CHAPTER 2

 The human resources manager should interpret the aims and requirements of the
SDA and adapt workplace skills training programmes accordingly.
 Identify the training needs of the employees and provide them with training
opportunities so that they will perform their tasks efficiently.
 Use the National Qualification Framework/NQF to assess the skills levels of
employees.
 Interpret/Implement the aims/requirements of the framework for the National Skills
Development Strategy.

Implications of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) on the Human


Resources function
 Workers must receive double if they work during public holidays/Sunday.
 They must have a break of 60 minutes after five hours of work.
 Businesses should not employ children under the age of 16.
 Workers can take up to six weeks paid sick leave during a 36-month cycle
 Workers should only work 9 hours per day in a 5 day work week./8 hours per day in a
6 day work week./Overtime should not exceed 10 hours per week.

15

You might also like