Ending a domestic worker's job is where most households get caught out. The rules come from Sectoral Determination 7 (domestic workers) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). Here is what you owe, and when.
Notice
| Employed for | Notice either side must give |
|---|---|
| 6 months or less | 1 week |
| More than 6 months | 4 weeks |
- Notice must be in writing. The exception is a worker who cannot read and gives notice in person.
- If your employee cannot read it, explain it out loud in a language your employee understands.
- You may agree a longer period, but your employee can never be bound to longer notice than you.
Work out the last day for your dates:
Calculator by CalcSA - open the notice period calculator if it does not load.
Severance pay
Severance is due when you end the job for operational reasons - for example, the family emigrates, or you no longer need a worker. It is at least one week's full pay for every completed year of continuous service. It is not due if your employee resigns or is fairly dismissed for misconduct, and the right to it is lost if your employee unreasonably refuses an offer of alternative work from you or another employer.
Work out the amount:
Calculator by CalcSA - open the severance pay calculator if it does not load.
Final pay
On the last day your employee must be paid everything owed:
- Wages up to the last day, including any overtime.
- Annual leave not yet taken, as a payout (the one time leave may be paid instead of taken).
- Severance, if it applies.
- A final payslip - make one free.
Leave payout for the days outstanding:
Calculator by CalcSA - open the leave pay calculator if it does not load.
UIF when your employee leaves
Tell UIF the job has ended so your employee can claim. See the UIF step-by-step guide. Keep a signed copy of the notice and final payslip; our contract maker sets the notice terms from day one.
- Sectoral Determination 7, clause 24: termination of employment.
- Sectoral Determination 7, clause 27: severance pay.
- MyWage: notice and severance.
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997.
General information, not legal advice. Every figure we use is on the rates page with its source.