Gazette permits night-time employment of women as janitorial, food service staff

Monday, 2 February 2026 00:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A Gazette notification has been issued permitting the employment of women as janitorial and food service attendants during night-time hours, following amendments to the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act.

The regulations were issued by Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando through an amendment to the Act, expanding the categories of work women may undertake during night hours.

Under the previous framework, women over the age of 18 were permitted to work after 6 p.m. only as ladies’ restroom attendants. The amended regulations now allow women over 18 to be employed as janitorial or food service attendants between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following day.

The Labour Ministry has stated that employers engaging women during these hours are responsible for ensuring suitable accommodation where required, transport facilities, health and safety measures, and the overall welfare of employees.