It is interesting to see that the International Labour Organisation has been discussing ways and means of job creation and in particular, the non-standard forms of employment. We all understand that the world economy is shaky and job creation is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Employers, in trying to make ends meet, are creating jobs, which are not reflective of the jobs most of us know and understand. The non-standard forms of employment include short-term arrangements and haphazard times and dates.

Often these non-standard forms of employment do not reflect much protection for the employees and it is this issue that has irked trade union movements throughout the world however, the ILO has said that these non-standard jobs can be decent and can help business respond and adapt to the changing markets and demands. Furthermore, this non-standard employment can play a role in increasing the labour market and can support the enhancement of skills of workers. It is up to the various governments to carefully consider these non-standard forms of employment so as to put mechanisms in place to ensure that the employees are protected.

Here in South Africa our first reaction, and in particular the reaction from the trade union movement, has been to try and outlaw the non-standard forms of employment. This reactionary stance would only serve to send a message to the business community that we are not open for business in South Africa.

MICHAEL BAGRAIM