Corruption Watch Concerned About UIF TERS Administration

By: Bright Ntuli

Civil rights group Corruption Watch says whistle-blowers have been short-changed by employers in delivering what was promised as temporary economic relief during COVID-19.

The Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme was introduced during the national hard lockdown, as one of a range of economic stimulus measures in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Its purpose was to provide support to employees whose possibility for work or providing services were cur–tailed during lockdown

However, Corruption Watch’s Karam Singh says by 31 July 2020, a total of R37.1-billion had been disbursed from the Unemployment Insurance Fund but not all employees received the funds due to them.

He says the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fault lines in society, along with the weaknesses in how funds and benefits are administered, and whether they reach the intended beneficiaries.