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.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is charged with the responsibility of formulating and administering polices as well as regulating activities in the labour and employment sector in order to enhance the sector's contribution to sustainable, social and economic development for the benefit of the People of Zambia. 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
• Social Safety Net
• Labour Policy
• Educational and Occupational Assessment Services
• Productivity Policy
• Productivity Management
• Occupational Safety and Health Services
• Occupational Safety and Health Policy
• 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 (OSH)

The Ministry has set for itself six (6) Core Values to instill a positive organizational work culture among all the staff members to implement the programs in the Strategic Plan successfully.
The enduring core values of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security are:

1. Transparency 
   We are open in our delivery of services 
   
   
2. Excellence 
   We are diligent and committed to delivering quality services 
   
   
3. Integrity
   We are honest and reliable in the execution of our duties 
   
   
4. Team Work
   We work together to achieve our mandate regardless of our uniqueness and diversity
   
   
5. Accountability
   We accept responsibility for our actions in the execution of our duties 
   
   
6. Impartiality
   We are fair and not biased in delivering our services 
   
   
7. Loyalty
   We remain faithful and committed to the government of the day 
    

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.