Levent Özen’s Post

Responding to Tuesday’s labour market data, which show ongoing challenges including falling payrolls and vacancies, with youth unemployment at a post-pandemic high, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:  “Labour’s budget took some vital first steps to repair the economic damage left by the Tories – stronger growth is an essential starting point for more jobs and higher pay. The government’s plan to Get Britain Working must now focus on supporting young people out of long-term unemployment.

The Labour party has committed to increases Britain's employment rate to 80%, which would make it the highest in the G7. The main problem for all countries is about getting enough people into work and keeping them working; in short, addressing the high levels of economic inactivity, which currently stands at 21.8% for the UK. In the blog post below, the SMF spoke to economists from the University of Oxford to discuss a recent job guarantee pilot in Austria. The programme offered a universal and unconditional guarantee of a well-paid job to every resident unemployed for over a year and included a two-month training period to help residents prepare for their new roles, with specialist support from social workers, doctors, and psychologists for those who needed it. The scheme, which notably was voluntary looked to create meaningful, matched employment which took account of local needs through collaboration with local residents. The idea was to create jobs to directly provide guaranteed employment without pressuring people to accept other low-quality, low-pay jobs. In summary, the programme added 2% to the overall active workforce and by the end of the scheme, one-third had found jobs with outside employers, one-third had remained employed by the job guarantee, and about one-third had retired or was unable to work due to poor health. The Oxford team suggest that a UK job guarantee programme ought to follow the principles of the Marienthal pilot - "On a national level, it should prioritise the country’s most vulnerable areas and people, such as those who have experienced unemployment for long periods or with health constraints. This approach would “fundamentally change the logic of UK job centres”, which are recognised as imposing tough, stringent conditions on unemployment benefits. It cannot be emphasised enough that participation in these schemes are voluntary, and should not be based on sanctions and surveillance”. A insightful and relatively short read - worth 10 mins of your time. https://lnkd.in/ezdRHRbS

Employers, Employees and Labor Laws EMPLOYEE TERMINAL BENEFITS. Good afternoon LinkedIn family. Disclaimer!!! 🔔🔔🔊🔊🔊This topic will be long and will have sessions to enable people relate to each part. THINGS ARE NO LONGER EQUAL ❌❌ I wrote a post last year on how gratuity, severance pay, retirement “if there’s no pension scheme” and medical discharge were calculated the same I.e (3 basic pay per each year served is the same as basic pay= Basic pay x 12 months x 25%). According to the NEW MINIMUM WAGE as of 2024: an Employee on permanent and pensionable is entitled to 1 basic pay per each year served. Prior to this, the minimum wage-general order, 2011… which was applicable even in the general order of 2018 and continued until December, 2023; guided the employer to pay the employee 3 basic pays per each year served where an employee works for 10 years non-stop or use a pension scheme. The whole reason that I believe made this kind of payment to be lesser is because it was an initiative to retain employees on their jobs especially with the current economic state, as more than 30% of the employees would have lost their employment. Additionally, minimum wages were increased and so it was a win-win situation for both parties. So at the moment, it is cheaper for an employer to employ on permanent and pensionable than a fixed term contract. NB: Minimum Wage is for protected employees; but where the employer provides better than that of the Employment Code/SI, the better will supersede the Employment Code (Section 127 of the ECA). Management employees or any that cannot be categorized in the minimum wage schedule have to bargain for themselves. Here to guide. Peza Job Zambia Agnes Simataa #minimumwages #terminalbenefits #retirementpackage #zambianlabourlaws #labourlaws #thelabourlawlady

"Employment rates rose for almost all groups of people post-pandemic, while unemployment and labour market inactivity generally fell, new findings show. A new study from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) explored the equality impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the labour market, comparing the situation pre and post-pandemic." 📄 Read the full IHREC and ESRI report “The Equality Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Irish Labour Market”: https://lnkd.in/enz83FHz 📱 Read coverage in the TheJournal.ie:

India’s ELI Scheme; Boosting Employment and Social Security The ELI Scheme comprises three distinct components, each designed to address specific aspects of employment and labor force formalization. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gdVkUtad #SightsInPlus #ELIScheme #GovernmentOfIndia #EmploymentBoost

In the dynamic landscape that is Australia's labour market, as at February 2024, and reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a picture of resilience and growth is being painted, with significant implications for business strategy, sustainability, and policy alignment. The unemployment rate's subtle decline to 3.7%, alongside a noteworthy increase in full-time employment, signals a robust economic momentum. Yet, the slight dip in underemployment and contrasting trends in monthly hours worked suggest nuanced labor productivity and workforce engagement shifts. This period of economic stability offers a unique moment for Australian businesses to innovate, improve efficiency, and invest in sustainable practices, aligning with evolving consumer expectations. As we delve deeper, the current labour market trends resonate profoundly with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly emphasising Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and indirectly contributing to No Poverty (SDG 1). This alignment not only fosters a more inclusive economy but also underscores the importance of strategic focus on sustainability and inclusivity, opening new markets and enhancing competitiveness. So, the evolving labour market presents both risks and opportunities. The challenge of sourcing skilled labour in a tight market could lead to wage inflation, necessitating strategic innovations and sustainability investments. However, this environment also presents an unparalleled opportunity to drive forward sustainable practices, diversify the workforce, and embrace government policies geared towards full employment, fostering a thriving, inclusive economic landscape. What are your views on leveraging these labor market dynamics to foster economic resilience and sustainability? Check out the ABS Data here: https://lnkd.in/gxnyPdMg #AustralianEconomy #LaborMarket #Sustainability #SDGs #BusinessStrategy #EconomicGrowth

The Minister of Labor and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, on Thursday stated that the ministry was not created to provide jobs for Nigerians. This is as the Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, revealed that 13 to 14 key reforms are underway with the ultimate goal of economic growth. The minister stated this at the annual conference of the Federal Capital Territory branch of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abuja. Dingyadi emphasized that it was not their responsibility to provide employment for youth. He, however, said his ministry is aware of Nigeria’s huge youth population and the need to ensure that they are professionally engaged. According to the former Minister of Police Affairs, their main task was to create an enabling environment and never to secure jobs for anyone. He said: “You agree with me that the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment is never to provide employment to people. “But it is at the heart of the Renewed Hope agenda, particularly as it relates to job creation, sustained and inclusive investment and the promotion of increased productivity for improved service delivery. “As you know the ministry is not there to provide employment because the former Minister of Youth and Sports (Sunday Dare) before he left asked me to give him jobs. I said we are only creating an environment for jobs .We do not provide jobs. “Mr. President is ready and committed to provide the necessary leadership and drive initiatives aimed at Nigeria’s economic recovery and transformation. This is evident in the recent successful negotiation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers and the FG’s deliberate commitment to sustainable strategic investment in human capital, infrastructure, innovation and institutional reforms.” Dare urged Nigerians not to give up on Tinubu because of the current hardships rocking the nation. The former sports minister assured that while any economic reform comes with excruciating pain, they should take solace in the fact that some of the president’s initiatives are starting to yield results He said: “We have a president who has taken the road less travelled.Reforms in the oil sector, manufacturing, youth, fiscal and monetary policy and reforms in the power sector. “Almost 13 or 14 reforms underway. We are starting to see the benefits of these reforms. I often like to say that reforms bring change, sometimes often painful, but necessary. “I’m also saying that we have a president who believes that failure to take one stitch now will mean you’re going to have to take nine stitches down the road. And I think one step for now is better. But also a president who is aware of the difficulties we are going through as a people.Who works hard to provide opportunities, to deliver solutions. “So we take these challenges head-on. The president provides opportunities. And that’s what you find in any society where you have

“Social partners will have a key role to play as they are the closest to the labour market and know the needs of workers.” – Anita Halasz The European Commission has launched an action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages and proposes to work together with Member States, social partners EURES and the European Labour Authority to address these issues over the coming months and years. The action plan is part of the EU's strategy to boost its competitiveness and enhance its economic and social resilience. To find out more, read on: https://lnkd.in/d78Hd_33 #LabourShortages #EURESjobs #EURES30

These politicians seem to believe that the public is gullible. In British Columbia, 6,700 jobs were created, but 10,300 of them were in the public sector. It is outrageous for them to try and spin this as positive news. “All of B.C.’s March job gains are in full-time employment and women’s increase in full-time employment was one of the highest among provinces at 6,700. “When we look at today’s Labour Force Survey data, it’s encouraging to see increases in health care and social assistance (+10,300), given B.C.’s Health Human Resources strategy, which is taking action to recruit, train and retain the health-care workers people need.

MAY 2024 - NEWSLETTER    Dear Valued Clients and Colleagues, As South Africa grapples with persistently high levels of unemployment and sluggish economic growth, the importance of effective labour law regulation cannot be overstated. At Malcolm Lyons and Brivik Inc, we have been at the forefront of advocating for policies that promote job creation, protect workers' rights, and contribute to sustainable economic development. The latest statistics paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing our nation. Unemployment rates remain stubbornly high, particularly among young people, exacerbating social inequalities and undermining the fabric of our society. Moreover, the lack of robust economic growth threatens to perpetuate this cycle of unemployment and economic instability. In the face of these challenges, the upcoming election looms large as a critical juncture for our nation. The decisions made by voters will have far-reaching implications for the effectiveness of government policies, including those related to labour law and economic reform. As citizens evaluate their choices, it is essential to consider the candidates' commitment to addressing unemployment, fostering economic growth, and enacting legislation that supports workers' rights. At Malcolm Lyons and Brivik inc we have been involved in numerous leading decisions that have shaped the landscape of labour law in South Africa. From landmark cases protecting workers from unfair dismissal to advocating for minimum wage legislation that ensures a living wage for all, our team is dedicated to advancing the interests of workers and promoting social justice. As we approach the election, let us not underestimate the importance of our collective voice in shaping the future of our nation. Let us hold our leaders accountable for their promises to tackle unemployment and stimulate economic growth. And let us demand policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens and lay the groundwork for a more prosperous and equitable society. In the coming weeks and months, Malcolm Lyons & Brivik Inc will continue to monitor developments in labour law and economic policy, providing expert analysis and guidance to our clients and stakeholders. Together, we can work towards a future where every individual has access to meaningful employment, fair wages, and a dignified standard of living. Thank you for your continued support. #mlbsouthafrica #labourlaw #medicallaw #personalinjurylawyers #legaladvice #southafrica