An ammendment to the labour law could see employees secure their jobs and escape looming pay cuts and unemployment propelled by the Coronavirus pandemic effects on the economy.
On the flip side however, workers could be forced to take unpaid leave for the duration of the pandemic if their employer is unable to pay their wages.
The Pandemic Response and Management Bill, 2020, just like the amended version of the Employment Act, has some clauses addressing employment issues including a proposal that Kenyans should not be laid off or coerced to take pay cuts by their employers.
The proposed amendment reads: Where a pandemic adversely affects the ability of an employer to pay salaries or wages—notwithstanding the provisions of the Employment Act— an employer shall not terminate a contract of service or dismiss an employee.
