The Ministry is responsible for policy and legislation development with regard to labour. The Ministry is also responsible for the following:

• implementing national policy and legislation
• co-ordinating the functions of the Department of Labour
• preparing and initiating legislation
• performing any other executive function provided for in the Constitution or in national legislation.

There are a number of statutory bodies that report to the Minister;

• Advisory Council for Occupational Health & Safety
• Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)
• Commission for Employment Equity
• Compensation Board
• Employment Conditions Commission (ECC)
• National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC)
• National Productivity Institute (NPI)
• National Skills Authority (NSA)
• Unemployment Insurance Board.