Smailes Attorneys

04/05/2026

Hello Monday. ☕️

There is nothing like a long weekend to clear the mind and sharpen the focus. We are back in the office, coffee in hand, and ready to get to work.

Whether we are navigating the CCMA or drafting papers for the Labour Court, we’re doing it with renewed energy this morning.

How are you starting your week?

01/04/2026

Protecting the Future of Your Enterprise

A business has a fundamental right to evolve in ways that ensure its long-term viability. However, the path to sustainability often requires difficult decisions: from operational restructuring to workforce realignments.

When the survival of the company depends on change, the legal ex*****on must be flawless. We provide the strategic counsel needed to navigate these transitions while remaining fully compliant with the Labour Relations Act.

Ensure your next move is legally sound. Contact us for a consultation.

02/03/2026

ChatGPT is a language model. But what does that actually mean?

It means it’s excellent at helping you:
✔️ Check your grammar
✔️ Refine your wording
✔️ Make your writing sound more professional
✔️ Structure your thoughts clearly

What can it not do?
❌ Provide sound legal advice.

We are noticing an increasing number of matters where lay litigants (individuals not represented by attorneys) are relying on ChatGPT or other AI tools to determine whether they have a valid legal claim, how to litigate that claim, or even to draft internal company policies relating to labour law.

The difficulty is this: AI tools like ChatGPT are language tools, not legal research tools. They are designed to generate text that sounds correct and persuasive — but that does not mean the content is legally accurate or appropriate to your specific facts.

The result?
A beautifully written argument or policy that is, unfortunately, legally incorrect.

In law, precision matters. Context matters. Jurisdiction matters. And strategy matters.

Use AI to polish your wording if you like — but don’t substitute professional legal advice with generated text. Your case and your business deserves more than something that just sounds right.

Contact us for legal advice that doesn’t only sound right — but is right.

05/02/2026

The National Minimum Wage is going up 👆

From *1 March 2026*, the *minimum wage* in South Africa will be *R30.23 per hour*.

Need help understanding how this impacts your business? We’re here to assist.

08/01/2026

Received an arbitration award you’re unhappy with? We can assist with a Labour Court review.

⏳ Important: you have 6 weeks to institute the review.

07/01/2026

We’re back at our desks and open for business — ready to take your calls and assist with your labour law needs.

#2026

31/12/2025

✨ Thank You for 2025

We extend our sincere thanks to all our clients for trusting us with your matters throughout 2025. Your confidence in our team means the world to us.

We look forward to continuing to support you in 2026 and wish you a successful and restorative year ahead.

#2025 #2026

12/12/2025

We have already begun preparing for 2026, and we’re excited to unveil our newly refreshed website; proudly redesigned by the talented Bisnet Hosting & Development. Head over to our new site and have a look!

Your labour law partner Finding solutions to complex labour problems Contact Us A boutique labour and employment law firm based in Port Elizabeth, specialising

12/12/2025

📣 Holiday Office Closure Notice

Our office will be closing on 12 December 2025 at 13h00 and will reopen on 7 January 2026.

Please note that we will still be available for urgent matters during this period to ensure our clients remain supported.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful festive season! 🎄✨

10/12/2025

Can employees be disciplined for behaviour at office holiday parties?

Absolutely. This is a common question at this time of year, and the short answer is yes — if it’s a company event, employees can still be held accountable for breaches of the disciplinary code.

It’s important to remember that year-end functions are extensions of the workplace, not opportunities to slip into chaos. While they should be enjoyable, professional conduct is still expected, and company policies remain in full force.

If you need guidance on navigating year-end functions, setting expectations, or understanding workplace obligations, our team is here to support you.

✨ Contact us for assistance in managing end-of-year events with clarity and confidence.