Chakwera Promises To Engage Finance Ministry On PAYE

President Lazarus Chakwera has assured workers in the country that he will engage the ministry of finance to iron out complications that are hampering proper calculation of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax band.

Chakwera said this following numerous complaints from various Labour Unions on the calculation of PAYE which has a number of flaws leading to employees being deducted more than necessary hence calling upon employers in the country to comply with set favourable labour regulations.

Speaking when he led Malawians in commemorating this year’s Labour day in Mzuzu City, Chakwera said employees should be able to follow both their monthly and annual remuneration packages hence need for the finance to give proper clarifications.

“Wherever there is a problem let the finance ministry give a proper clarification, I have already directed the ministry of labour to make a follow-up to the complaints, it is your responsibility to voice out your concerns to relevant authorities when your rights have been infringed by your employers,” advised Chakwera.

President Chakwera then assured Malawians that his government is dealing with the rising prices of goods and services in the country.

He highlighted that the Covid-19 pandemic and the cyclones that recently hit the country have greatly contributed to the slowing down of the economic activities.

The president then fired a warning shot to all unscrupulous vendors who offer lower prices than the government set minimum prices for farm produce.

On the free-market economy the country adopted Chakwera said there is a need to revisit the policy to ensure that the interests and welfare of local Malawians are safeguarded.

Speaking earlier, Minister of Labour, Vera Kamtukule, said her ministry is formulating and strengthening the country’s labour laws to make them responsive to the needs and aspirations of the country’s labour market in line with the International Labour Organisations’ protocols.

***Labour minister, Vera Kamtukule pose with some Union leaders***

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Employers Consultative Association of Malawi, Zandile Shaba, said owing to the harsh economic conditions Malawi has been going through as a result of disruption of global supply chains due to Covid-19, there is a need to speed up the country’s Economic Recovery Programme.

This year’s activities marking the 2022 Labour Day commemorations started with a solidarity walk from Katoto Ground to Mzuzu Upper Stadium, President Chakwera and the First Lady, Madam Monica Chakwera joined the march and thereafter toured different pavilions at the venue
Labour Day which falls on May 1, every year is an annual holiday to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers in society across the globe.