Webinar – Implementing Short-Time, Lay-Offs and Retrenchments Fairly and Effectively

Many employers in the metal and engineering industry continue to face sustained commercial pressure arising from economic uncertainty, rising operating costs, energy instability, and regulatory obligations. In this context, employers may be required to consider short-time, lay-offs, or retrenchments as part of broader operational strategies.

These measures are tightly regulated by the Labour Relations Act and related legislation, and failure to comply with the applicable substantive and procedural requirements can expose employers to significant legal and financial risk. Even well-intentioned decisions can result in adverse outcomes if the correct processes are not followed.

This practical webinar is designed to guide employers, managers, and HR practitioners through the legal framework and procedural requirements governing short-time, lay-offs, and retrenchments. The focus is on providing clear, practical guidance to ensure that these processes are implemented lawfully, fairly, and defensibly, while minimising the risk of disputes and litigation.

Topics Covered

• Effective implementation of short-time
• Implementing a lay-off: legal requirements
• The meaning of operational requirements
• Substantive fairness in operational requirements dismissals
• Procedural fairness
• Large-scale vs small-scale retrenchments
• Notification requirements
• The consultation process

o Timing
o Consulting parties
o Mandatory consultation topics

• Information disclosure and confidentiality
• Consideration of representations
• Fair selection criteria
• Severance pay obligations
• CCMA facilitation: when it applies and whether it is effective
• Employer obligations relating to re-employment
• Resolution of disputes

Presenters

The webinar will be facilitated by Gordon Angus and Gia Freese.
Gordon has extensive experience in industrial relations and has advised and guided numerous employers through short-time, lay-offs, and retrenchments in both stable and distressed operational environments. Gia, an admitted attorney of the High Court, has been involved in labour disputes from inception at CCMA level through to litigation in the Labour Court and higher courts.

Date, Time and Platform (Updated)

📅 Wednesday, 16 September 2026
🕑 14h00 – 16h00
💻 Online via MS Teams
(No MS Teams app required to participate)

Bookings and Enquiries
📧 gordon@saefa.co.za