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in Part B of the Child Protection Register, the employer should complete and
submit the correct form which can be obtained from the Department of Social
Development.

If, as the owner of a day care centre you find out that an employee has been
convicted of a sexual offence against children and mentally disabled people
or has been found unsuitable to work with children, it is vital that the employee
be moved to another position that will not bring the employee into contact with
children, or if that is not possible, that the employer consider terminating the
employment of the person.

As you are dealing with a very sensitive issue, it is advisable that you consult
with your labour specialist to ensure that your recruitment processes are legal
and appropriate to identifying potential issues, and that you engage your
labour specialist immediately for guidance should any issue relating to a sexual
offence by an employee arise.

Must a psychometric test be certified? Labour

February 2018

“I have been investigating the use of psychometric tests at my business to
better screen potential job applicants. A friend however informed me that I
should be careful and make sure that whatever test I use is certified by the
Health Professions Council. Is this so, because I’m struggling to find tests that
are so certified?”
Psychometric tests are generally used to measure personality traits or personal
characteristics about a person including aspects such as styles or modes of
working, ability to think conceptually, decision-making styles and stress levels.
In the employment context, psychometric tests have frequently been used to
help provide additional information about persons for purposes of employment,
promotions, personal development etc.

In South Africa, Section 8 of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (“EEA”) sets
out the requirements for psychological testing, which include psychometric
tests. Section 8 states that:
“Psychological testing and other similar assessments of an employee are
prohibited unless the test or assessment being used-

(a) has been scientifically shown to be valid and reliable;
(b) can be applied fairly to all employees;
(c) is not biased against any employee or group; and

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