The South African labour minister has told a conference in Pretoria that she hopes 2014 will buck the 2013 trend for an increasing number of non-permanent jobs, reports the South African Government News Agency.

Addressing the Annual Nedlac Organised Labour Conference, minister Mildred Oliphant said the most important challenge for the year ahead must be to do everything possible to ensure that the number of ‘decent jobs’ continues to grow.

“We also hope that this year will buck the trend of 2013 that saw a higher number of new contract jobs or short-duration jobs than permanent jobs. The NDP [National Development Plan] target is for 2.8m new jobs to be created by 2015, or total employment at 15.8m.”

Reflecting on key policy issues for 2013-14, Oliphant said the top priorities for this year included the conclusion of amendments to labour legislation, which will expand protection for vulnerable workers and ensure faster change in employment equity in workplaces.

The minister disputed the common argument that the country’s labour legislation was too restrictive and that its labour market was over-regulated. She emphasised that government was committed to a policy and legislative approach, which is captured by the concept of regulated flexibility.

• Want to comment on this story? The Comment box is at the bottom of the page. Sorry for the glitch but just scroll right down and share your opinions!