I have just been laid off work. I am currently negotiating a severance package but my employer has not been very accommodating. My question is; what do I do in the event of a dispute?

All disputes relating to labour matters are, in the first instance, referred to the Ministry of Labour. You should submit a complaint in writing and attach a copy of your labour contract. The Ministry of Labour will then summon you and your employer to a mediation meeting. At the mediation meeting, a labour officer will endeavour to reach an amicable settlement between you and your employer. It is important to note that neither you nor your employer is obliged to settle. If the dispute is not settled amicably, it will be referred to the labour court for litigation.

Our legal advisor is Irfan Ebrahim, a legal consultant at City International Advocates & Legal Consultants. He can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

*The information contained in this column is not intended to be legally comprehensive. No action should be taken on matters covered in this column without first taking full legal advice with respect to your particular circumstances.