In South Africa, 30 Apr was the deadline for the annual submissions of the Annual Training Reports(ATR) and Work Skills Plans(WSP) to the respective Sector Education Training Authorities(SETAs) for companies that pay the Skills Development Levy(SDL). The purpose is to track the progress of employees in terms of their training over the prior year and to share the intended training for the year ahead. It also assists the SETAs to develop the Sector Skills Plans(SSP) which is a reflection of the skills needed in the respective sectors.
Like many of the acts and regulations in South Africa, one can either comply with what is requested at a minimum (like a grudge purchase) or strive to achieve what was intended in the first place with the WSP. If what is submitted is merely an administrative activity and there was no intention to leverage the opportunity, it might be worth re-considering for the coming year, but it is possible to take action in the short term already. One would have to delve deeper into the annual WSP to address the challenges and barriers. Some can be addressed within a year, others will take longer. The sooner you start, the sooner you will be able to address them though. In terms of succession management there might be employees that need to be developed to attain what management is hoping they will achieve over a reasonable period of time.
The ATR reflects the skills development of the employees during the prior period. As this is our focus area, not only for own our employees, but also for other companies, we believe significant strides can be made by addressing this. Some of our clients claim significant improvement in productivity as a result of up- or reskilling their employees.
Forward thinking companies are building a skills pipeline, years ahead of when they will actually need them, so beyond the annual WSP. Companies that are active in managing their ATRs and WSPs can also claim back tax incentives under certain conditions.
Companies can consider these kind of interventions by SARS as the rules of engagement or as a platform to leverage opportunities. Which path will your company follow ?
If you need help to manage your ATR and WSP plans simply contact Gideon Potgieter at Resolution Circle to book a consultation.
www.resolutioncircle.co.za
If you need help to manage your ATR and WSP plans simply contact our consultants at Resolution Circle to book a consultation.
