Sierra Leone's Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has stepped up efforts to enforce Section 25 of the Employment Act 2023. This section provides for end-of-service benefits. The Minister recently met with key stakeholders, including representatives of the Labour Congress and Employers’ Federation. The goal is to discuss the implementation of the law, following a directive issued two weeks earlier for full implementation and compliance.
The Ministry received feedback from employers and workers seeking clarification and proposing practical approaches to implementation. Minister Koroma reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing the law while addressing the concerns of both employers and employees. He emphasized the importance of consultation and collaboration between the two parties for the sustainability of businesses and the wider economy.
The engagement aimed to clarify the law’s requirements, address concerns, and identify practical ways to ensure compliance. Minister Koroma noted that discussions on the implementation process began before his tenure and emphasized the need to build on the work already undertaken. This process involves multiple stakeholders, including employers, employees, trustees, fund managers, and the Ministry.
A technical presentation and demonstration of the End-of-Service Benefits Platform were delivered by Mahmoud A. Idris, Executive Chairman of Smart Systems (SL) Ltd. The platform is designed to support the administration, monitoring, and enforcement of the benefits scheme. It will connect employers, employees, trustees, fund managers, and the Ministry through an integrated system.
The End-of-Service Benefits Platform features an automated mechanism for calculating employers’ obligations based on employee and salary information. It also includes a recognition ledger for recording accrued benefit liabilities and approval workflows to strengthen accountability. The system will support investment portfolio management, track returns on invested funds, and generate compliance reports.
These reports will help the Ministry assess employers’ obligations, contributions, investment returns, and any gaps between accrued liabilities and available funding. Minister Koroma reiterated that the Ministry would work with employers, workers, and other stakeholders to address implementation challenges while ensuring compliance with the Employment Act 2023.
The Ministry's efforts to enforce the End-of-Service Benefits Law aim to provide financial security for employees after retirement or termination. The law is part of the Employment Act 2023, which seeks to regulate employment and provide a safe working environment in Sierra Leone. The implementation of the law is expected to have a positive impact on the country's workforce and economy.
Key points
- The Labour Minister is working to enforce the End-of-Service Benefits Law to provide financial security for employees.
- The Ministry is collaborating with stakeholders to address implementation challenges and ensure compliance.
- The End-of-Service Benefits Platform will facilitate registration, calculate benefit liabilities, track funds, and monitor compliance.
