UIF applicants queue at the department of labour in Randburg to get financial relief during the Covid-19 pandemic. File imageBusiness4SA has expressed dismay at the temporary shutdown of unemployment relief funds, saying it has offered to help the labour department free of charge with capacity challenges impeding the payouts of lockdown aid.
B4SA said: “It is understood the auditor-general is investigating system integrity problems at the UIF related to the Ters system. While it supports the mitigation of fraud risks, and urges that criminal charges should be brought against all alleged perpetrators, B4SA said ihe unilateral halting of all payments is grossly unfair to all employees and their employers who have legitimate claims.
“The continued delays and lack of transparency from the UIF in regard to their capacity challenges has had the unintended consequence of creating mistrust between employers and employees. B4SA has been urging the UIF for some time to engage meaningful third party support.