How to write a legal domestic worker employment contract
What South African law requires in a domestic worker contract, the clauses to include, and how to sign it properly.
A written contract isn't just good practice — section 29 of the BCEA requires you to give your worker written particulars of employment. A clear contract sets expectations and protects both parties if there's ever a disagreement.
What the contract must cover
- The full names and addresses of the employer and worker.
- The job title and a description of duties.
- The place of work and start date.
- Ordinary working hours and days.
- Wage, how it's calculated, and how often it's paid.
- Deductions (such as UIF).
- Leave entitlements.
- Notice periods for termination.
Notice periods
| Length of service | Notice required |
|---|---|
| 6 months or less | 1 week |
| More than 6 months, under 1 year | 2 weeks |
| 1 year or more | 4 weeks |
Signing it
Both parties should sign and each keep a copy. A digital signature is fine — what matters is that the worker has genuinely agreed to the terms and received their copy.
Generate it in one click
LabourMate builds a BCEA-compliant contract from your worker's details — with the correct leave, notice and UIF clauses — ready to sign digitally and store in your vault.
Become compliant in minutes
LabourMate handles contracts, payslips, UIF and leave for your domestic worker — as easy as online banking.