Labour dept refining laws to boost compliance

The Employment and Labour Department says it's in the process of improving its laws to ensure the prosecution of those who break rules.

During an inspection of construction sites in Ekurhuleni on Friday, employers were found to be violating several laws, including immigration laws and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

More than 100 illegal foreign nationals were arrested during the operation.

One of the sites visited in Clayville was shut down after being found to be operating without a permit.

Deputy minister Jomo Sibiya says officials will continue monitoring the sites to ensure the illegal operations do not continue.

"That's why we are refining our laws so that we avoid a situation where people will be repeat offenders."

Sibiya has also raised concern over a lack of compliance with mandatory requirements such as personal protective equipment (PPE) on some sites.

"Others are not wearing PPE, but further to that, there are holdings that are dangerous and stuff that has not been put in its place in a manner that should be complying with the occupational health and safety standards,” he added.