Notice for a domestic worker depends on how long they have worked for you: one week if they have worked for you six months or less, and four weeks if longer. It applies both ways, to you and to the worker, and it has to be in writing, unless it is given by a worker who cannot read or write.
The scale
| Length of service | Notice either side must give |
|---|---|
| 6 months or less | 1 week |
| More than 6 months | 4 weeks |
These are the rules for domestic workers in Sectoral Determination 7. The Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which covers most other workers, has an extra two-week step for six months to a year. That step does not apply to domestic workers. The rules cover a worker who works 24 hours or more a month for you.
It works both ways
The same notice applies whether you are ending the job or the worker is resigning. You can agree a longer notice period in the contract, but the worker can never be required to give more notice than you have to give. Neither side can end it on the spot without a fair reason.
When notice cannot be given
You cannot give notice while the worker is on annual leave. The notice period also cannot overlap with any other leave they are entitled to, except sick leave.
Notice pay instead of working it
You can choose to pay the worker for the notice period instead of having them work it. That pay is worked out on their full pay, including regular allowances such as transport, and it goes onto the final payslip. If the worker resigns and you tell them they do not need to work their notice, you still pay them for it, unless you both agree otherwise.
How AskMandla helps
The notice period is written into the contract from the start, so both sides know it. When the job ends, we apply the right notice, add any notice pay to the final payslip, and put the termination letter in place.