Pretoria - Retail online giant Takealot has insisted that it was unaware of any labour law contraventions and would not knowingly employ anyone who was undocumented.
The largest SA online retail company released a statement after it landed in hot water with the Department of Employment and Labour which found that the company's Kempton Park warehouse was in contravention of a number of health and safety regulations during its mega blitz inspection in Gauteng this week.
The department reported that during an inspection of the company's warehouse it had arrested 11 undocumented foreign nationals and two employers.
In addition to that inspectors said that they found that the company contravened a number of Occupational Health and Safety Act regulations and was not complying with the Unemployment Insurance Fund Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
The department's inspectors picked up that there were parts of the facility which posed an immediate danger to its workers on site, and had issued three prohibition notices to prevent them from allowing contractors on site with step-ladders without rubber, storing of chemicals in a general storing area or racks that were flammable.
However, following the visit, Takealot said it was fully committed to complying with all laws and providing a safe working environment for all staff.
"We are aware of the notices issued by the Department of Employment and Labour in relation to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, and Takealot will work to comply with the Department’s requirement for remedial action to be taken within the next 60 days."
The company added: "However, we are unaware of any contravention or non-compliance related to the Unemployment Insurance Fund Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act as alleged by the department."
Takealot said it applied stringent procedures with regard to the verification of staff identification and qualifications.
They also stressed that they also adhered to the industry standard of conducting background and criminal checks on permanent and semi-permanent hires.
"Takealot would not knowingly employ anyone who is undocumented or who has provided fake documents. Takealot is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and will address any alleged gaps," they added.
Pretoria News