The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is one of the Government Institutions which plays a key role in the socio-economic recovery programme of the country aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and improving well being of Zambians.

In accordance with Government Gazette Notice Number 547 of 21st September 2004, MLSS is responsible for the following portfolio functions:

• Employment Policy
• Social Security Policy
• Labour Policy
• Educational and Occupational Assessment Services
• Occupational Safety and Health Services
• Industrial and Labour Relations
• Monitoring Productivity

The Gazette notice further lists statutory bodies under the MLSS as follows as:

• Workers Compensation Fund Control Board
• National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA)

PIECES OF LEGISLATION UNDER THE MINISTRY

In addition to the responsibilities embodied in the Government Gazettes, MLSS also draws its mandates from various sources, namely:

• Acts of Parliament as listed below:

• Employment Act, Cap 268
• Industrial and Labour Relations Act, Cap269
• Employment Act (Special Provisions) Act, Cap 270
• National Pensions Scheme Authority Act number 40 of 1996
• Factories Act, Cap 441
• The Employment of Young Persons and Children’s Act, Cap 274
• Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act, Cap 276
• Zambia Institute of Human Resources Act, Number 11 of 1997
• Holiday Act, Cap 272
• Workers Compensation Act number 10 of 1999

The Strategic Objectives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security

• Promote employment opportunities for youths, women and persons with disabilities;
• Promote Social Dialogue;
• Promote Social Protection through the creation of a comprehensive Social Security System;
• Create awareness on labour and employment matters and enhance decision-making;
• Strengthen the regulatory and legislative framework for the Employment and Labour Sector;
• Promote and enforce Occupational Safety and Health Standards at places of work to ensure a safe and healthy working environment;
• Promote Productivity in the country so as to enhance economic growth;
• Reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS on workers and employers;
• Eradicate the worst forms of Child Labour;
• Reduce the brain drain in the country;
• Effectively utilize skills of migrant workers;
• Curb discrimination in the labour market; and
• Monitor the implementation of Ministerial programmes and ensuring that the intended objectives are achieved.

The vision of the MLSS is “To be a proactive institution that promotes an efficient and effective Labour Market System guaranteeing improvement in the quantity and quality of employment for the Zambian labour force”

In line with the stated vision, the Mission Statement of the MLSS is “to formulate Labour and Social Security policies, programmes and strategies and coordinate their implementation for national development