Bargaining Council: Important Info on HBSI Pension Fund Arrears/Exemptions, Somatologists’ Survey & Your Will

PENSION FUND ARREARS

The Main Collective Agreement provides that membership of the HBSI Pension Fund is compulsory for employees in the industry.

In the absence of an exemption, it is a legal requirement that employers submit payment of the required contributions to the Council for payment to the Fund.

A failure to pay over contributions as required is not only a contravention of the Pension Fund Act and a criminal offence, but also potentially leaves employers exposed to legal challenges and liability concerning the impact on other benefits, such as risk benefits (e.g. death and serious illness) payable to the members.

The FSCA (Financial Services Conduct Authority) are continuing with their enforcement efforts in this regard.

Establishments are urged to attend to any Pension Fund arrears. Should you need assistance in this regard, please contact the Designated Agent or Credit Controller in your area or the Council’s offices.

HBSI EXEMPTIONS

We are moving towards the end of the second month of the window period (September to December), within which exemptions from membership of the HBSI Pension Fund are processed each year, for the following calendar year.

Despite continuous reminders and notices to establishments, it appears that numerous establishments which currently have exemptions have not yet applied.

Please complete and submit your applications for the 2026 calendar year (whether making a new application or renewing an existing application) as soon as possible.

The exemptions currently in place will automatically expire on 31 December 2025, and invoices will be raised in accordance with the Collective Agreement if your application is not received by the Council on time and/or an exemption is not granted.

The Exemption Application Form is available to download from the website ANNEXURE-D.pdf 

or you may request an application form via email from exemption@hcsbc.co.za.

SURVEY: BEAUTY SECTOR: SOMATOLOGISTS

The Council would like to remind all affected establishments in the Beauty Sector to complete the online survey concerning Somatologists employed in the industry.

The link to the questionnaire has been emailed to those establishments which we believe might be affected. If you have not received the survey link, the survey may also be accessed via the Council’s website.

Notices | HCSBC

DIGITAL ASSETS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF INCLUDING THEM IN YOUR WILL

Verso have circulated an interesting article on the importance of including digital assets in one’s will. It can be accessed via this link: Digital-Assets-and-the-Importance-of-Including-Them-in-Your-Will.pdf.

Please consult the Council’s WEBSITE for the contact details of Agents in your area.

For more information, contact: www.hcsbc.co.za