A notice sent out to staff said SABS is currently contemplating reducing its headcount.
The SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) has issued a ‘Section 189’ retrenchment notice to its employees in hopes of saving R150 million.
Up to 170 employees could lose their jobs by 15 May.
A notice sent out to staff on 11 March wrote that the SABS “is currently contemplating reducing its headcount based on operational requirements (retrenchments). As such we would like to commence with the consultation process in terms of Section 189 (3) of the Labour Relations Act.”
According to the notice, the SABS needs to restructure to ensure efficient and effective operations of the business that will help achieve revenue growth and reduction in operating expenditure.
SABS spokesperson Nils Flaatten said the body had merely embarked on consultations in line with Section 189. “The SABS has not begun any retrenchment process,” he said. “The salary bill remains the highest expenditure item which, if not reduced, would threaten the financial sustainability of the SABS.”
