The Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act

The Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act, No. 7 of 1975 (often referred to as the SOE Act) plays a significant role in regulating employment for shop and office workers in Sri Lanka. Here's a breakdown of some key aspects with numbers:

Working Hours

  • Maximum Daily Hours: Section 3 of the Act restricts working hours to a maximum of 8 hours in a single day.
  • Maximum Weekly Hours: This same section further limits total working hours to a maximum of 45 hours per week.

Weekly Holidays

  • Minimum Requirement: Section 5 mandates that employees receive one whole holiday and one half-holiday with full remuneration every week, provided they work for at least 28 hours during that week.

Annual Leave

  • Minimum Entitlement: Unfortunately, the Act itself doesn't specify a minimum number of annual leave days. However, some collective agreements or individual employment contracts may offer specific annual leave entitlements.

Overtime

  • Overtime Pay: While the Act doesn't explicitly mandate overtime pay, it's generally understood that overtime work should be compensated at a higher rate than regular working hours. The specific rate might be determined by individual employment contracts or collective agreements.

Other Regulations

  • The Act also regulates other aspects like:
    • Restrictions on child labor
    • Record-keeping requirements for employers
    • Procedures for resolving disputes

It's important to note that:

  • The Act has been amended several times since its inception in 1975. You can find the latest version, including any amendments, on the website of the Commission of Labour [Sri Lanka Ministry of Labour website] (assuming such a website exists).
  • Other labor laws and regulations may also apply to shop and office employees in Sri Lanka, depending on specific circumstances.

Additional Considerations

While these numbers provide a basic framework, it's always recommended to consult the full Act, relevant amendments, and any applicable employment contracts for a comprehensive understanding of employee rights and obligations in Sri Lanka.