The Hidden Risk of the EOR Model: Independent Contractors and Deemed Employment
The global shift towards remote work has made the Employer of Record (EOR) model an attractive solution for international companies looking to hire South African talent. It allows businesses to onboard staff quickly without establishing a local entity. However, many international companies and local providers make a critical error: they use the EOR structure to […]
The Cost Implications of Not Having a Labour Lawyer on Retainer
South African small business owners and HR managers view legal retainers as an unnecessary overhead. It is something larger companies do, not a practical consideration for their company. This mindset is understandable, but it is also one of the most expensive assumptions a business can make. When labour matters go wrong without legal support in […]
6 Benefits of Having a Labour Lawyer on Retainer
South Africa’s labour landscape is among the most regulated in the world. Between the Labour Relations Act (LRA), the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the Employment Equity Act (EEA), and a host of related codes and guidelines, keeping a business compliant is no small feat. Whether you run a growing SME in Pretoria or […]
Earnings Threshold Increases to R269 600.90: A Practical Guide for Employers
With the new earnings threshold of R269 600.90 per year now in effect, South African employers face a practical compliance moment. Failing to adjust payroll structures, employment contracts and HR policies to reflect the new threshold can expose businesses to unfair labour practice claims, disputes at the CCMA, and costly Labour Court proceedings. At Welman Attorneys […]
South Africa’s New Earnings Threshold: What Every Employer and Employee Needs to Know
The South African Minister of Employment and Labour has announced an increase in the annual earnings threshold, effective 1 May 2026. The new threshold is set at R269 600.90 per year (R22 466.74 per month), representing an increase of R7 852.45 – or 3% – from the previous threshold of R261 748.45 that has been in place since 1 […]
Youth Day in South Africa and Its Connection to Labour Law
Observed annually on 16 June, Youth Day is one of South Africa’s most powerful and historically significant public holidays. While it is often associated with remembrance and reflection, it also has important legal and socio-economic implications, even more so when viewed through the lens of labour law and youth employment. For businesses, educators, and legal […]
The Legal Meaning Public Holidays in April and May in South Africa
As April transitions into May, South Africa observes two of its most significant public holidays – Freedom Day and Workers’ Day. While many see these as opportunities for rest, they are deeply rooted in the country’s legal and constitutional framework. For businesses and employees alike, these dates carry important implications, particularly in the context of […]
How Employees Benefit from Legal Oversight in an Employer of Record Relationship
Employees in South Africa have recently benefited from the Employer of Record (EOR) model that has created new employment opportunities. Through an EOR, South African employees can work for international companies while being legally employed by a local provider. This structure allows global companies to access South African talent without establishing a local company. While […]
Why Employer of Record Providers Benefit from Working with a Labour Law Attorney
Employer of Record (EOR) providers make it possible for global companies to hire South African talent without establishing a local entity. But with this opportunity comes significant legal responsibility. Because the EOR is the legal employer on record, it carries substantial liability under South African labour law. This is why many EOR providers partner with […]
Why Companies Using an Employer of Record in SA Still Need a Labour Law Attorney
Expanding into new markets has never been easier thanks to the rise of the Employer of Record (EOR) model. For international businesses looking to hire employees in South Africa, an EOR allows them to employ staff legally without establishing a local entity. But while an EOR simplifies market entry, it does not eliminate legal risk. […]