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- Inflation impacts us all.
- Domestic helpers face an uphill battle against rising living costs and inadequate wages.
- We share seven practical ways you can assist your domestic helper in navigating these tough economic times.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
In a world where inflation is winning the battle, it's important to remember that the struggle affects everyone, including the dedicated domestic helpers who keep our households running smoothly.
In South Africa, these essential workers, often the sole breadwinners for their families, face an uphill battle against rising living costs and inadequate wages.
Below, we share seven practical ways you can assist your domestic helper in navigating these tough economic times based on insights from a recent report by SweepSouth.
SweepSouth's 6th annual Report on Pay and Working Conditions for Domestic Work was published this month, and it showed that in these difficult economic circumstances, domestic workers remain heavily vulnerable and face difficult financial challenges.
Here's how you can help:
1. Pay a living wage
Start by being a fair and empathetic employer. Ensure your domestic helper's salary is reasonable and meets or exceeds minimum wage requirements.
Luke Kannemeyer, MD of SweepSouth, emphasises the importance of "paying them a living wage." Additionally, only 14% of surveyed respondents can contribute to UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund). Ensuring their UIF contributions are up to date can provide a safety net in case of unexpected job losses.
2. Be a compliant employer
Being a compliant employer involves adhering to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Ensure your domestic helper receives the necessary annual sick leave days, and avoid docking pay for days not worked. This helps alleviate financial pressure and ensures a healthier working environment.
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3. Be sensitive to challenges
Recognise the challenges your domestic helper faces, such as load shedding and transportation issues, and consider how these factors might impact their ability to arrive at work on time. By understanding and accommodating their situation and working with them to figure out a workaround, you're helping to reduce the stress they experience.
4. Encourage savings
Encourage your domestic helper to save for their future. If possible, set aside a small amount each month for their retirement or their children's education. Over time, this can make a significant difference and provide a safety net for unforeseen expenses.
5. Offer tangible benefits
Consider offering tangible benefits even if you can't provide a substantial pay raise. For instance, take advantage of bulk buy offers on groceries and share the savings with your domestic helper.
This gesture can have a material impact on their budget and overall well-being.
Additionally, assisting with essential items like cellphone data, airtime, or prepaid electricity can be immensely helpful.
6. Donate pre-loved items
Before discarding clothing, household items, or gifts you no longer need, check with your domestic helper if they could benefit from them. Your unused items might be valuable to them and help ease their financial burden.
7. Upskill your domestic helper
Empower your domestic helper by offering opportunities for skill development.
Many domestic workers supplement their income with secondary jobs.
Ask if there's a skill they would like to learn that could help them earn extra income. Investing in their education or training, whether it's financial literacy, cooking, or childcare courses, can provide them with valuable tools for life.
In these challenging economic times, supporting your domestic helper isn't just a kind gesture – it's essential to foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
As Kannemeyer wisely notes, "Domestic workers are in many ways the backbone of our country."
Ensuring their well-being contributes to a healthier, more compassionate society.
Information supplied by Irvine Partners on behalf of SweepSouth.
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