THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security has called on all employers to submit employment relationship statistics, warning that failure to comply will attract penalties.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Labour Principle Public Relations Officer, Mwaka Ndawa, Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa emphasised that it is a legal obligation for employers to provide labour statistics under the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.
Muntengwa stated that the labour statistics are important in improving employment conditions as they can enable the ministry to track labour market trends and make informed policy interventions.
He said the labour laws require employers to submit and maintain accurate statistics on employment relationships.
Meanwhile, Muntengwa expressed concern that some employers have failed to comply with these requirements, impeding the Ministry’s ability to maintain an updated administrative database.
This, he noted, impends the ministry’s efforts to address key labour market challenges effectively.
“Employers who fail to comply with the legal requirements risk facing sanctions under Sections 12(3), 133(1), and 135 of the Act,” Muntengwa explained.
However, to meet their obligations, employers are required to submit hard copies of employment statistics to the Labour Commissioner’s office or via post.
“Soft copies by email to mlss@info.gov.zm and copied to Assistant Labour Commissioner Mrs. Mukamasole M. Kasanda at Mukamasole.Kasanda@mlss.gov.zm,” he stated.
Muntengwa also reiterated the requirement for wages to be paid in Zambian Kwacha, in line with Section 67(1) of the Employment Code Act.
“While employees may choose their preferred mode of payment such as postal order, money order, cheque, or electronic payment, wages must be denominated in the national currency.”
“The law is clear wages shall be paid in Kwacha. Non-compliance will attract necessary sanctions,” added Muntengwa.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba January 3, 2025
