Salary deductions
Employers may only deduct money from a worker’s salary if the worker agrees or if they are required to do so. The provisions for deductions do not apply to workers who work less than 24 hours a month.
Employers may not deduct money from a worker’s pay unless –
- the worker agrees in writing to the deduction of a debt, or
- the deduction is made in terms of a collective agreement, law (e.g. UIF contributions), court order or arbitration award.
Deductions for damage or loss caused by the worker may only be made if –
- the employer has followed a fair procedure and given the worker a chance to show why the deduction should not be made,
- the worker agrees in writing, and
- the total deduction is not more than 25% of the worker’s net pay.
Employers must pay deductions and employer contributions to benefit funds (pension, provident, retirement, medical aid, etc.) to the fund within 7 days.