If your policy manual was written before September 2025, check the label.
HR policies do not expire on their own, but the law they rely on changes. A policy manual that has not been reviewed recently may now be quoting rules that no longer exist.
Schedule 8 is gone. From 4 September 2025, a new Code of Good Practice: Dismissal replaced the old Schedule 8 code in the LRA and the Code of Good Practice on Dismissal based on Operational Requirements. Disciplinary codes and retrenchment procedures that refer to the old codes need updating.
EE turnover thresholds are gone. Since 1 January 2025, only employers with 50 or more employees are designated. EE policies based on turnover thresholds are out of date.
Minimum wage figures change every year. Contracts and policies that quote a fixed figure go stale each March.
Harassment. The Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace (2022) requires a harassment policy. Many manuals still only deal with sexual harassment.
Why it matters: at the CCMA, inconsistent or outdated policies weaken your case. Review your manual at least once a year and whenever the law changes.
This article is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. Speak to a MetaCo consultant about your organisation.