A special Gazette notification has been issued permitting the employment of women above the age of 18 for night work in the hospitality and food service sectors, subject to strict conditions aimed at ensuring their safety, health and welfare.
The Extraordinary Gazette, issued on January 30, amends existing regulations under the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act, expanding provisions for the employment of female workers during night hours.
Under the new regulations, women aged 18 and above may be employed between 6.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. the following day in establishments engaged in hospitality, food and beverage services and related industries.
The Gazette places full responsibility on employers for the healthcare, safety and overall welfare of women engaged in night work. Employers are required to provide suitable accommodation from the end of a shift until 6.00 a.m. or, alternatively, ensure safe transport to the employee’s place of residence when work concludes during night hours.
The regulations also stress the need for adequate safeguards to ensure a secure working environment for female employees, particularly during night-time operations.
The amendments, made under Section 66 of the Act, were issued by Minister of Labour Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, with the objective of aligning labour laws with evolving industry demands while maintaining essential protections for women workers.
