SINPF cracks down on non-paying employers
SOLOMON Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) is believed to have begun a major crackdown on employers who have not been paying statutory contributions on behalf of their employees.
And it seems they are all heading to court. SINPF inspectors are investigating claims by employees their contributions have not been paid for many years, despite the fact that their payslips show regular deductions to the SINPF.
One employee told Island Sun yesterday a building contractor who owns and operates a string of motels in Honiara has not made a single contribution on behalf of his employees in twenty years.
“We have reported the man to the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund and I am happy that inspectors are on to him,” the employee said.
The employee who has been terminated for reporting the matter to the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund said yesterday non-payment of SINPF contributions affected all employees who worked in motels as well as those who work on construction projects.
“I am one of 12 employees who have worked for the man for the last 20 years and as far as we know, not a single NPF payment was made on our behalf,” he said.
The workers expect to hear from the SINPF authorities today as to whether they will go to court to settle the case. SINPF inspectors served the man a letter about two weeks ago.
It is understood the man has not paid any taxes to the Government over the 20-year period and the Inland Revenue Division of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury is said to be after him as well.
It is also understood the practice is widespread right across all sectors.
Under the law, employers pay seven per cent contribution on behalf of their employees while employees pay five per cent of their salaries to the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund.