Liberal temp laws set SA ahead of the global pack

Alan Peat ONE OF the highlights of May’s annual CIETT (International Confederation of Temporary Work Business) conference held in Paris was how advanced SA is in terms of temporary and short-term employment, according to Kim Botti, temp manager of major freight employment agents, Lee Botti & Associates. A main point is the liberalisation of this country’s regulations on temp employment, she told FTW. “The French, for example, have a rule that a temp may only serve a maximum of 18-months temp assignment. This must then be broken with a minimum break before starting another assignment. “The country also does not supply temporary staff to certain industries, such as nursing, construction and education - whereas, in the UK and Ireland, these are the biggest sectors of temporary recruitment and assignments can continue for a number of years. “Some 80% of temps in Britain choose this means of employment as a lifestyle.” In SA, there is also no specific time limitation and temping assignments can continue for long periods of time, as long as there is some sort of fixed term contract and Basic Conditions of Employment apply, Botti added. “In a nation where unemployment is so high, temporary recruitment allows for companies to utilise and develop skills of individuals during peak periods, to cover for staff that are on maternity leave, study leave etc. “Companies also favour using temps to form part of project teams when awarded big contracts.” Outsourcing is an idea that has been around for some time, and allows for companies to get on with their business, according to Botti. “Companies are beginning to see the benefits of utilising agencies to handle their staffing needs,” she said, “so they can focus on their core business.” But, Botti added, this seems to be an idea that much of Europe is only just beginning to realise.