Employers cannot simply rely on “old practices” or verbal agreements. Compliance with the
BCEA is not optional — it is a legal requirement, enforced through inspections, CCMA disputes, and even the Labour Court.

Module 1 – Introduction + Scope of the BCEA

• Purpose and scope of the BCEA
• Which employees it covers (and exclusions)
• Enforcement mechanisms (labour inspectors, fines, CCMA)

Module 2 – Working Time, Leave & Pay

• Ordinary hours of work (maximum 45 hours/week)
• Overtime limits and pay (1.5x, 2x for Sundays/public holidays)
• Rules for compressed workweeks, averaging agreements, and night work

Module 3 – Meal Breaks, Rest Periods & Sundays/Public Holidays

• Statutory entitlement to breaks and rest periods
• When Sunday/public holiday work is permitted
• Pay entitlements for work on rest days

Module 4 – Annual Leave 

• Minimum entitlement (21 consecutive days)
• Accrual systems (1 day per 17 worked / 1.25 per month)
• Leave scheduling and employer discretion
• Leave pay calculations

Module 5 – Sick Leave & Medical Certificates

• Sick leave cycle (30 days per 36 months)
• When medical certificates are required
• Abuse of sick leave and employer rights

Module 6 – Maternity, Parental, Adoption & Family Responsibility Leave

• BCEA provisions on maternity leave (4 months unpaid)
• Amendments for parental/adoption leave
• Family responsibility leave (3 days per cycle)
• Interaction with UIF benefits

Module 7 – Public Holidays & Special Leave

• Paid public holidays under the BCEA
• Religious/cultural leave (not statutory but policy-based)
• Study leave (best practice vs legal requirement)

Module 8 – Pay Rules & Deductions

• Frequency and method of payment
• Itemised payslips (mandatory contents)
• Lawful vs unlawful deductions (consent and statutory deductions)
• Garnishee orders and UIF contributions

Module 9 – Record-Keeping & Payroll Compliance

• BCEA record-keeping requirements
• Time and attendance registers
• Payroll record retention periods
• Risks of poor record-keeping in CCMA disputes

Module 10 – Compliance Audits, Penalties & Best Practices

• Labour inspector powers
• Penalties and compliance orders
• Key CCMA and court cases on BCEA violations
• Practical compliance checklists for HR and payroll

Annexures Included:

• Annexure A – Section 33 Compliant Payslip Template