Part-Time Domestic Workers: Are You Paying Them Correctly?

Part-Time Does Not Mean Exempt

Many South African households employ domestic workers part-time — perhaps one or two days per week for cleaning or a few afternoons for childcare. A common assumption is that part-time employment carries fewer legal obligations. This is incorrect and potentially very costly. Part-time domestic workers have exactly the same rights to minimum wages, UIF registration and COID coverage as full-time workers — as long as they work 24 or more hours per month for you.

The Four-Hour Daily Minimum

If your domestic worker comes for even one hour on any given day, you must pay them for a minimum of four hours. At the current minimum wage of R30.23 per hour, the minimum daily payment for any visit is R120.92. Many employers of part-time workers are unaware of this rule and inadvertently underpay workers who come for shorter visits, resulting in back-pay claims, CCMA complaints and Department of Labour penalties.

UIF for Part-Time Workers

If your part-time domestic worker works 24 or more hours per month total for you, you must register them for UIF. A worker who comes for six hours twice a week (approximately 24 hours per month) crosses the threshold and must be registered. If the same worker works for multiple employers, each employer who crosses the 24-hour monthly threshold must register independently.

COID for Part-Time Workers

COID registration is required regardless of whether your domestic worker is full-time or part-time. Even a worker who comes once a week to clean is exposed to workplace injury risks in your home — your COID registration protects both of you.

What About Workers Below 24 Hours Per Month?

If your domestic worker genuinely works fewer than 24 hours per month for you, UIF and COID registration obligations do not apply. However, the minimum wage and four-hour daily minimum still apply for each day of work. Check your obligations using the free compliance tool at myhelpersubmit.co.za.