There’s a lot to be said for the amendments proposed for the UIF.  Firstly the maximum payment of benefits is for 365 days in a four year period as opposed to the previous 238 days.  This will alleviate much hardship.  Secondly, any employee on a learnership programme can now claim UIF on the expiration thereof and thirdly the maternity benefits will rise to two thirds of the earning and will also cover an employee who has a miscarriage in the third trimester.