Holiday jobs: Five steps every young South African needs to know

The festive season is just around the corner. For young South Africans looking to gain work experience, develop their skills or earn some money – or all three! – it’s the perfect time to sink your teeth into your first holiday job.

Even though it might only be a seasonal position, i.e. a temporary gig, it’s still important for you to know what you’re getting yourself into. This means understanding your rights as an employee, from working hours to payment.

YOUR #1 HOLIDAY JOB GUIDE

If you’ve managed to secure employment over the festive season, ensure you follow these five steps:

1. READ THE CONTRACT THOROUGHLY

Before signing any contract, ensure that you read through it thoroughly. After all, you need to understand what your role entails, the payment amount (at least the minimum wage), working hours, and whom you can approach for additional training or questions. Other things to consider include overtime and payment on public holidays.

Ultimately, reading through the contract can save yourself the trouble of being bound to obligations that you didn’t agree to.

2. UNDERSTAND YOUR PAYSLIP

Employers are obligated to provide a payslip showing your hours worked, the wage rate and deductions. It should also show the number of overtime hours (employees under 18 cannot work overtime).

As an employee, you are entitled to at least the minimum wage for every hour worked. If you find any discrepancies in your payslip – such as deduction errors or an underpaid wage – you can report the matter to the Department of Employment and Labour or Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

3. KNOW YOUR WORKING HOURS

Per Labour Guide, “The maximum normal working time allowed … is 45 hours weekly. This is nine hours per day (excluding lunch break) if the employee works a five-day week, and eight hours per day (excluding lunch break) if the employee works more than five days per week.”

If you work overtime – which is completely voluntary and subject to an agreement between the employer and employee, preferably in writing – keep in mind that the maximum is three hours per day and 10 hours per week, and you must be paid 1.5 times the normal wage.

4. STAY ON TOP OF PUBLIC HOLIDAY PAY

There may be instances where you may be required to work on a public holiday, such as Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

If you don’t work on a public holiday, you’re still entitled to your full day’s normal rate if that holiday happens to fall on your usual working day. On the other hand, you should be remunerated double your normal rate if you do work during that holiday.

Note that employers can’t dismiss you if you refuse to work on a public holiday. 

5. ASK QUESTIONS

There’s no such thing as a silly or wrong question. Whether it’s seeking advice or answers from a manager, HR department or colleague, it’s important for you to ask questions if there are any aspects about your job that you’re feeling unsure about.

For example, workplace exploitation in the form of underpayment, discrimination, poor safety conditions and much more may go unaddressed if you don’t speak up.

By asking questions, you can ensure that your rights are protected. Plus, it can give you a major confidence boost, and show your employer that you’re willing to engage and learn. 

START YOUR JOB ON THE RIGHT FOOT

The festive season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. It’s also a prime opportunity to build your CV, earn some pocket money and gain invaluable soft skills.

And who knows – you could either potentially turn this seasonal job into something permanent, or it could help you determine what career path you want to follow. And that alone can be a gift to yourself.