Number of FWA Requests from Caregivers and Employees Rejected Since 1 April 2024

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has information on how many Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) requests have been rejected since 1 April 2024; (b) if so, how many rejected requests have come from caregivers, including parents; and (c) how many employees have approached TAFEP or NTUC for recourse in situations where employers did not consider their FWA request.

The Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Requests, which took effect on 1 December last year, aim to help employers and employees navigate discussions about FWAs and arrive at mutually beneficial arrangements.

Employers are required to consider FWA requests submitted by their employees based on business grounds and communicate the outcome of their assessment to the employees. Employers and employees are not required to report the outcomes of the FWA requests to the Ministry of Manpower.

Employees who feel that their FWA requests are not properly considered may approach the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) for assistance. To date, TAFEP has not received any case that requires TAFEP to engage employers for non-adherence to the Tripartite Guidelines.