Minimum wage increase 2022

Minimum wage increase 2022

On 1 March 2022, the South African minimum wage was increased once again. The last increase (of 4.48%) was just a year ago on 1 March 2021. Although there has been an across-the-board increase in minimum wages, irrespective of industry, one noticeable change is that domestic workers are now on par with the national minimum wage.

This year, the increase is 6.91% for most employees, bringing the national minimum wage to R23.19 per hour. This percentage of increase applies to most employees, excluding:

• Domestic workers
• Public Works Scheme employees
• Contract Cleaners
• Learners

Being brought in line with the national minimum wage, Domestic Workers will receive an increase of 21.47%. Public Works Scheme employees have an increase of 6.87%, with an hourly rate of R12.75 and Contract Cleaners’ wages increase to R25.52 per hour.

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission made this decision while considering inflation, the cost of living and the country’s gross domestic product. The NMW Commission also received input from experts, employers, organisations, trade unions, and government before coming to a decision on the increase amount as well as how the different sectors would be affected.

Click here to see the full breakdown of updated minimum wages.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)