UIF Notice: Retraction of the Manual UI-19 Discontinuation Notice
Background
In September, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) announced that manual UI-19 forms would no longer be accepted by labour centers in Gauteng starting from October 1, 2022. This decision was made without prior discussion with business partners, such as the Payroll Authors Group of South Africa (PAGSA). The notice did not provide a credible alternative solution, except for a vague reference to uFiling.
Discussions
Upon receiving the discontinuation notice, PAGSA immediately notified the UIF about the difficulties, uncertainty, and confusion faced by payroll suppliers and employers. PAGSA also highlighted the lack of a credible alternative solution. As a result of these discussions, the UIF has withdrawn the UI-19 discontinuation notice, effective from October 21, 2022. The UIF apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the circular.
Requests
During discussions with the UIF, PAGSA reiterated two requests. Firstly, to revive the technical discussions held in 2016 and 2017 regarding the update of the E03 declaration specification. This update aims to modernize the requirements and provide additional employee data necessary for the UIF to fulfill its legal mandate. Secondly, to discuss the creation of a practical and credible solution to replace the UIF E-Compliance Certificate online system, which was introduced without prior notification or discussion with business partners. PAGSA submitted a report detailing the weaknesses of the E-CC system and its negative impact on business and the economy. As a result, the E-CC system was also withdrawn during a discussion with PAGSA and other parties on April 11, 2022.
Current Status
The UIF has withdrawn the circular discontinuing the acceptance of manual UI-19 forms in Gauteng. Clients can continue to submit manual UI-19 forms at all labour centers. However, clients are encouraged to use the uFiling platform (https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif/) to submit their Unemployment, Illness, Maternity, and Adoption benefit claims. Employers can also use uFiling to declare their workers and pay monthly contributions, including for foreign employees.
Future Plans
If the UIF decides to go fully paperless in the future, the decision will be communicated by the UIF Commissioner, Teboho Maruping, after thorough consultations with clients, employers, and critical stakeholders. The UIF remains committed to providing excellent services.
Reference: Unemployment Insurance Act Section 56
Section 56 of the Unemployment Insurance Act states that every employer must provide certain information regarding its employees to the Commissioner. This information includes the employer’s address, details of the authorized person responsible for the employer’s duties, and the names, identification numbers, monthly remuneration, and employment addresses of each employee. Employers are required to provide this information before the seventh day of each month. The Minister may issue regulations regarding the submission of information for domestic employers and small businesses or enterprises.
Disclaimer: All information provided by PAGSA is subject to our disclaimer.
