Government must play a role in limiting large-scale retrenchment in the platinum sector by potentially granting tax relief to companies that limit retrenchment and that reach agreement on keeping employees in the work steam through work-time modification. Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has objected strongly to the retrenchment plans of Impala Platinum in particular and Royal Bafokeng Platinum CEO Steve Phiri, who is also VP of the Minerals Council South Africa, has urged industry and government to assist in finding mutually beneficial outcomes, one of which could potentially include a halt to large-scale retrenchment being balanced by the companies receiving some form of tax relief to retain personnel. Lower pay for fewer working hours could also be proposed. (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.)