THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An ordinance was promulgated on Tuesday, effecting necessary amendments to the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960, for ensuring the safety of women employed in shops, hotels, restaurants and other establishments.
The amended law ensures sales staff are allowed to sit during their prolonged duty hours. The Cabinet in July had approved the draft of the amendment Bill. The provision that employees be allowed to sit during working hours was included following complaints that sales staff, mostly women employed in textile and jewellery shops, are made to stand throughout the day.
Labour Minister TP Ramakrishnan described the ordinance as a milestone in the labour-friendly policies adopted by the LDF Government.