A Service Letter is a formal document that South African employers provide to employees when their employment ends. It confirms basic details about their work history, including their job title, employment dates, and reason for leaving the company.

Under South African labor laws, employees have the right to request this letter, and employers must provide it within a reasonable time. It helps workers prove their employment history when applying for new jobs, claiming benefits, or dealing with legal matters. While the letter sticks to factual information, it can significantly impact someone's career prospects.

Request a Service Letter when leaving your job in South Africa - it's a valuable record of your employment history. Most employers provide this automatically during exit processing, but you can specifically ask for one if they don't offer it.

This letter becomes particularly important when applying for new positions, as many South African employers require proof of previous employment. It's also essential for UIF claims, pension applications, and visa processes. Having this official documentation ready saves time and prevents delays when you need to verify your work experience.

• Letter Proof Of Employment: A basic Service Letter confirming current employment status and job details
• Letter Of Referral: An enhanced Service Letter that includes performance evaluation and recommendations
• Letter Of Request For Transfer: Documents employment history while requesting internal position changes
• Application Letter For Employment: Used when requesting a Service Letter for job applications
• Application Letter For Learnership: Specialized Service Letter format for educational or training programs

• Human Resources Managers: Responsible for drafting and issuing Service Letters, ensuring accuracy of employment details and compliance with labor laws
• Company Directors: Often required to sign Service Letters for senior employees or when HR isn't present
• Former Employees: Primary recipients who use these letters to prove work history and seek new employment
• Prospective Employers: Review Service Letters to verify candidates' work experience and employment history
• Labor Department Officials: May request these letters during UIF claims or employment disputes

• Employee Details: Gather full name, ID number, job title, and employment dates from HR records
• Job Information: Document key responsibilities, department, and reporting structure
• Exit Details: Note the reason for leaving and last working day
• Company Information: Include official letterhead, registration number, and contact details
• Document Format: Use our platform's Service Letter template to ensure compliance with South African labor laws
• Verification: Double-check all dates and details against employment records before finalizing

• Company Details: Full registered name, address, and registration number on official letterhead
• Employee Information: Legal name, ID number, and current contact details
• Employment Period: Precise start and end dates of employment relationship
• Position Details: Job title, department, and primary responsibilities
• Reason for Exit: Factual statement about employment termination circumstances
• Authorized Signature: Name, position, and signature of company representative
• Legal Compliance: Reference to Basic Conditions of Employment Act requirements

A Service Letter differs significantly from an Employment Reference Letter. While both relate to employment documentation, their purposes and content vary considerably.

• Legal Requirements: Service Letters are mandatory under South African labor law when employment ends, while reference letters are voluntary
• Content Scope: Service Letters stick to objective facts like dates and position details, whereas reference letters include subjective assessments of performance and skills
• Timing of Issue: Service Letters are provided at employment termination, while reference letters can be requested and issued at any time
• Legal Weight: Service Letters serve as official proof of employment for UIF claims and legal matters, while reference letters primarily support job applications