Virtual office for UIF

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has embarked on a new electronic initiative. The “Virtual Office” will allow those employees who have access to the Internet to apply for UIF benefits online.

During her budget vote speech this week, labour minister Mildred Oliphant said the new system electronically connects the unemployed with their former employers.

It also provides for real-time declaration of earnings and employment histories; speedy claim processing; and tracking of all claims through the issuing of unique reference numbers.

“This service will save time and cost, and it will be transparent and secure. This new service will soon be launched and this will be another example of government making use of technology to improve service to its clients. The new Virtual Office will also enhance the performance of the labour centres, many of which are achieving their targets for the turnaround time of claims,” said the minister.

Web system

She added that the Compensation Fund (CF) is currently embracing new IT systems to improve service delivery and the turnaround time in processing of claims.

“The fund is aiming to increase revenue collection through Web-based registration of employers, and electronic submission of the return of earnings and employer assessments – details of which will be announced in the next few days.”

Oliphant said that while the Web-based submissions will be implemented in the first quarter, electronic submission of medical accounts and provision of pharmaceuticals is targeted for the second quarter.

Clean exit

The Department of Labour (DOL) has been allocated R2.1 billion for the 2012/13 financial year.

It has initiated projects in several key areas to provide a focus for the activities of the department.

These include the turnaround strategy for the CF; the DOL Organisational Review; the ICT Strategy; redefining Public Employment Services; and redefining professionalisation.

In the year to come, the department expects to face a few challenges in its administration and organisation. This includes the expiration of the IT-PPP, on 30 November.

“In this respect, the department will need to ensure that it is in a position to continue its operations seamlessly, through the correct management of the exit and transfer of services strategy, as contained in the contract,” said Oliphant.