Notice periods and notice pay under the BCEA
Section 37 of the BCEA sets minimum notice periods: one week if employed 6 months or less, two weeks if between 6 months and one year, four weeks if employed longer than a year. Notice can be worked out or paid in lieu.
Payroll Africa Editorial · SARS Payroll Compliance Team
The Payroll Africa editorial team is composed of registered tax practitioners, payroll administrators and BCEA specialists who maintain the SARS PAYE, UIF, SDL and ETI engines that power the platform. Every article is reviewed against the current SARS BRS and Basic Conditions of Employment Act before publication.
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Last updated 30 Sept 2026
BCEA notice periods
The minimum notice period is based on completed service:
- 0 – 6 months of service: 1 week notice
- 6 – 12 months of service: 2 weeks notice
- Over 1 year of service: 4 weeks notice
- Domestic and farm workers with <6 months: 1 week; over 6 months: 4 weeks
Pay in lieu of notice
Either party can waive working notice by paying the notice period as a lump sum. This lump sum is fully taxable as remuneration in the month it is paid.
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