Refusal of Leave by an Employer

An employer in South Africa can refuse a leave request, but there are specific conditions under which this can happen.

According to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), an employer may refuse an employee’s leave request if

• it conflicts with the company’s operational requirements,
• if the employee has insufficient leave accrued, or
• if granting the leave would significantly disrupt the business.

However, the refusal must be reasonable and not arbitrary. Employers should consider the employee’s rights and try to find a mutually agreeable solution whenever possible.