Did you know that there are rules for how and when you need to be paid?

Section 32(2) of the BCEA stipulates:

“Any remuneration paid in cash or by cheque must be given to each employee—
(a) at the workplace or at a place agreed to by the employee;
(b) during the employee’s working hours or within 15 minutes of the commencement or conclusion of those hours; and
(c) in a sealed envelope which becomes the property of the employee.” 

Therefore, if payment is made in cash or by cheque, it must occur during working hours or within 15 minutes before or after the employee’s shift, and at the workplace or another agreed-upon location.

For electronic payments (e.g., direct deposit), while the BCEA does not specify exact timing, it’s best practice to ensure that funds are available to the employee on or before the agreed payday, aligning with the principle of payment within seven days after the pay period ends.