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 No. 1123 of 2021, the Ministry implements Basic Social Protection Services that seek to provide social assistance and promotional services and 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:

• Workers' Compensation Fund Control Board
• National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA)
• KAIZEN Zambia Institute
• National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA)
• Occupational Health and Safety Institute

PIECES OF LEGISLATION UNDER THE MINISTRY

In addition to the responsibilities embodied in the Government Gazettes, MLSS also draws its mandate from the Acts of Parliament listed below:

• Apprenticeship, Cap. 275;
• Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019;
• Factories, Cap. 441;
• Industrial and Labour Relations, Cap. 269;
• Medical Examination of Young Persons, (Underground Work), Cap. 216;
• National Health Insurance Act No. 2 of 2018;
• National Pension Scheme, Cap. 256;
• Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 36 of 2010; and
• Workers Compensation, Cap. 271.

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.