UIF TERS lifeline to help sectors restricted by lockdowns

Employees in industries that cannot operate fully during Level 4 of lockdown will be able to apply for the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS). The Department of Employment and Labour confirmed that the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will start to process claims on 19 July and that successful claims will start to be paid out from 26 July.

The extended relief will apply to cinemas, theatres, casinos, museums, gyms, restaurants, nightclubs, pools, bars, public parks, domestic and international air travel, public transport, e-hailing, beaches, passenger ships, hotels, conference venues, sporting as well as individuals and business that form part of the value chain in any of these industries.

The TERS benefit allows employers to continue paying salaries to employees even when businesses cannot continue operating due to the Covid-19 national lockdown. The directive was issued in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act and the Unemployment Insurance Act.

Despite the date of publication in the gazette, the directive is backdated to 16 March 2021, and is valid until 25 July 2021.

Should you fall in the category of the affected businesses and need assistance in claiming your TERS, please give our payroll manager a call on 031 764 0782 or email yvonne@scribantelabour.co.za.