Riyadh — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has intervened to address the issue of a Saudi woman employee; who had to stand throughout her working hours at a mall in the capital city of Riyadh.
Hundreds of social media users expressed their sympathy for the Saudi woman employee; after watching a video clip posted by her, explaining her inappropriate working condition at the mall.
They also demanded the ministry take immediate action to resolve her issue.
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The ministry’s intervention came after a report accompanied by a video clip showing the employee saying that she stands throughout her working hours and is not allowed to sit.
Stating this is irrespective of whether there are customers or not at the facility. The ministry confirmed that it had started probing into the woman’s case.
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— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتنمية الاجتماعية (@HRSD_SA) May 17, 2022
لحقوقك #اعمل_بوعي pic.twitter.com/8RKEvuX8rh
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The ministry also clarified that it was ordered to take all the legal measures and compel the facility to make available an appropriate work environment for employees inside the mall, Al-Arabiya.net reported.
It is noteworthy that the failure to provide offices or seating for employees is a punishable offense as per the Saudi Labor Law.
This law covers all employees where work requires standing during working hours. Such as office jobs, customer service, and sales accountants.
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The penalty is SR5,000 for the violation. Under the law, the employer must provide appropriate seating for female workers during their work hours.