Readers’Views

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Tough choice for businesses between keeping jobs and survival

The real danger to employment is companies being able to resize, shed deadwood and mechanise, “Jobs lost now might never be restored” (June 28).

For the first time, unions are being sidelined and companies can, if they are survivors, shed employees who are not productive or do not add to the bottom line.

Like zero-based budgeting, this will become an exercise in zero-based employment.

Most small businesses that had, say, 10 employees, will find they need only seven or eight, and that 20%-30% reduction will be where the major numbers in unemployment will come from.

It is a viable opportunity to increase productivity of the workforce, but it will not necessarily benefit the country as a whole.

However, companies will need to take drastic action to ensure survival.

The choice will be a difficult one! Adrien McGuire, on businessLIVE

No magic wand to cut debt

The article “What SA must give IMF” (June 28) refers. The road to hell is paved with people with good intentions.

Here we have a socialist government paying large salaries to a large sector of the government, while unemployment is now over 30%, and rising fast, with state-owned enterprises out of control, plus lockdown.

We see a government with prolific spending, failed management controls and corruption, eating away like a cancer at the country.

They’ll need a magic wand from The Wizard of Oz to eradicate their debt and keep the IMF on their side, at the same watching our currency being dissipated year after year.

Keith Blair, on businessLIVE

There can be no reform of the economy until all have equal access to the labour market, regardless of colour and nationality.

BEE must be lifted and foreigners must not to be discriminated against, either as senior management of international companies or as waiters in restaurants.

Anon Ymous, on businessLIVE

Vegan business no small fry

Congratulations to the Fry family on this big next step in their excellent mission to rapidly move humans away from meat consumption, “Local vegan firm set for global growth” (June 28).

This is truly world-class innovation and a family-founded business built on a solid ethical foundation.

Best of luck with the continued work in the new venture.

Stephen Horn, on businessLIVE

Small saving can be a big help

“Who failed the bus driver who cashed in his pension?” (Money, June 28) was a great article.

Preservation is key.

I would emphasise the importance of an emergency fund when starting work. As little as R300 a month can make a big difference during financial turmoil.

Jaco Van Schalkwyk, on businessLIVE