The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are serious public health problems that have socio-economic, employment and human rights implications.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic will affect every workplace, with prolonged staff illness, absenteeism, and death impacting on productivity, employee benefits, occupational health and safety, production costs and workplace morale.
The Department of Labour has been working in conjunction with the Department of Health on this issue. The Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) who is responsible for advising the Minister of Labour on Codes of Good Practice, has also been consulted.
The Commission has recommended that this draft Code of Good Practice on key aspects of HIV/AIDS and employment be published for public comment.
The comments received from the public will be analysed and forwarded to the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) and NEDLAC.
The proposals have been presented in a manner that we hope is easy to read and understand. We take this opportunity to express our hope that the public will take advantage of participating in this important aspect of labour policy.
M. M. S. Mdladlana (MP)
Minister of Labour