'Domestic workers are entitled to 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave'

Socio-Economic Rights Institute's Kelebogile Khunou says for living-in workers you cannot deduct more than 10% for accommodation.

Do you have a domestic worker at your house?

Are you paying them as the law requires?

Eusebius McKaiser speaks to Socio-Economic Rights Institute researcher Kelebogile Khunou on what are the rights for domestic workers.

Khunuo says domestic workers are covered by many laws, including the Labour Relations Act. She states that a verbal contract is acceptable but a written contract is better.

A written contract is very important as it protects both the employer and the employee.

Kelebogile Khunou, Researcher - Socio-Economic Rights Institute

On wages, she says the Department of Labour has guidelines.

The vast majority of domestic workers spend their wages on transport.

Kelebogile Khunou, Researcher - Socio-Economic Rights Institute

If they are living on the premises the law says you cannot deduct more than 10% for accommodation.

Kelebogile Khunou, Researcher - Socio-Economic Rights Institute

Domestic workers who work more than 24 hours need to be provided with 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave each year.

Kelebogile Khunou, Researcher - Socio-Economic Rights Institute

Listen to the full interview below...

More from Local