Employment & labour — Topics

4 Jun 2020

Payout Conditions on Employers Regarding Leave under Jobs Support Scheme

The Ministry of Manpower confirmed that employers receiving Jobs Support Scheme payouts are not prescribed specific rules on employee leave or no-pay leave, allowing flexibility based on their financial situations.
Employers are encouraged to discuss cost-saving measures like using annual leave or no-pay leave with employees, especially when business is slow, to preserve jobs and prepare for recovery.
If employers face genuine cash flow issues, they may request no-pay leave but must allow employees to seek temporary work elsewhere to supplement their income.
The government will monitor these practices and may withdraw support or suspend work pass privileges for employers who act irresponsibly or unfairly.
Tripartite partners call for open and transparent dialogue between employers and employees to balance immediate cost pressures with long-term job preservation.

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4 Jun 2020

Data on Work Permit Holders not Employed as Foreign Domestic Workers and not Eligible for Work Injury Compensation for Death and Permanent Disability in Past Five Years

Mr. Louis Ng asked for data on work permit holders (excluding foreign domestic workers) who died or suffered permanent disability from injuries or diseases ineligible for Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) compensation over the past five years, and whether the Ministry would start collecting this data if not already doing so.
Mrs. Josephine Teo stated that around 0.3% of foreign work pass holders file WICA claims annually, with approximately 70 fatal injury and 2,800 permanent disability claims successfully resolved, constituting the vast majority of claims.
She noted that inadmissible claims were mostly due to non-work-related injuries, with about 1% of fatal claims and 5% of permanent disability claims deemed inadmissible on average.
Employers are required to maintain medical insurance for all foreign workers and cover all medical expenses in Singapore, and the Migrant Workers' Centre provides additional emergency assistance as needed.

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4 Jun 2020

Complaints by Foreign Domestic Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic

The Ministry of Manpower received an average of about eight complaints per 10,000 foreign domestic workers each month during the past three months, a figure comparable to the same period last year, with issues including food and workload.
MOM investigates all complaints seriously and will take appropriate action according to laws while providing assistance to affected parties.
FDWs can access 24-hour helplines and support from NGOs like the Centre for Domestic Employees and the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training.
These organizations offer mental health services, including counselling and online activities like resilience talks and exercise programs to support FDW well-being.
The government encourages employers and FDWs to communicate openly and exercise understanding, emphasizing FDWs' importance in households.

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4 Jun 2020

Addressing Workplace Grievances of Trainees Hired under SGUnited Trainship Programme

Patrick Tay questioned how trainees under the SGUnited Traineeships Programme can seek help for workplace grievances, injuries, or harassment since they are not covered by employment laws.
Mrs Josephine Teo clarified that host companies are responsible for workplace safety under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, covering trainees on their premises.
She added that TAFEP will support trainees facing harassment by advising them to report incidents to HR or the police if the conduct is criminal.

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4 Jun 2020

Help for Home Team Officers in Light of Additional Roles during COVID-19 Pandemic

Home Team officers are involved in the COVID-19 response, including border measures, contact tracing, and enforcing safe distancing, with support measures like split teams, safe distancing, and remote work where possible.
Personal protection equipment, alternative accommodation, and daily health checks are provided for officers in high-risk roles, while digital tools reduce physical contact.
Mental well-being is prioritized through regular engagement, self-care materials, care packs with essentials, and enhanced counselling services for distressed officers.

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4 Jun 2020

Extension of Wage Subsidies under Jobs Support Scheme to Shareholder-directors with Assessable Incomes not Exceeding $150,000

Lim Biow Chuan proposed extending the Jobs Support Scheme wage subsidies to shareholder-directors with assessable incomes up to $150,000.
Heng Swee Keat explained that the current $100,000 income threshold targets those needing more support and covers about 50,000 shareholder-directors.
Heng noted that shareholder-directors slightly above the threshold or facing income drops can appeal to IRAS for case-by-case consideration.
He added that all shareholder-directors already receive JSS payouts for local employee wages and benefit from other business support measures.

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4 Jun 2020

Structure of Rental Contracts for Taxis, Private Hire Cars and Limousines

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira raised concerns about the structure of taxi, private-hire car, and limousine rental contracts, including duration, fees, early termination penalties, and whether they expose drivers to excessive risk during demand downturns like COVID-19.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the rental market offers diverse contract options tailored to different driver preferences, with varying trade-offs between flexibility and cost, and noted that some drivers are employed directly by operators.
The government has introduced support schemes such as the Special Relief Fund and Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme to help drivers cope with reduced income during the pandemic.
Fleet owners have also offered rental reductions and flexibility on arrears or early vehicle returns to assist drivers amid the crisis.
Both speakers emphasized the need for a balanced, competitive rental market that supports drivers’ livelihoods while maintaining long-term industry resilience.

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4 Jun 2020

Government's Plans in our Continued Fight against COVID-19 Pandemic

The Minister highlighted the government's comprehensive push towards digitalization and job creation, including enhanced TechSkills Accelerator programs, Digital Resilience Bonuses for SMEs, and digital inclusion initiatives for hawkers and seniors, emphasizing that leaving no one behind is key to emerging stronger from the pandemic.
Miss Cheryl Chan stressed the need for a whole-of-society approach, pointing out practical challenges in business reopening phases and advocating for greater industry collaboration and mindset shifts to adapt to the new normal, while supporting the Fortitude Budget.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat raised concerns about support for affected workers and small landlords, suggested exploring borrowing options to manage fiscal reserves, and emphasized the importance of digital inclusion and self-sufficiency to prevent long-term economic scarring and inequality.

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4 Jun 2020

Government's Plans In Our Continuing Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic

The Fortitude Budget provides unprecedented fiscal support of nearly $100 billion to safeguard lives and livelihoods, drawing on past reserves to help businesses and individuals through the COVID-19 crisis.
A major focus is on jobs, with the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package aiming to create about 100,000 opportunities through jobs, traineeships, and training to support workers, especially mid-career PMETs and fresh graduates.
The debate highlighted the need for a whole-of-society effort, including tripartite partnerships and digital transformation, to address blind spots such as the disproportionate impact on women and seniors, and to prepare for a post-pandemic economy.

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4 Jun 2020

Eligibility Criteria for COVID-19 Support Grant

The COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG) does not require applicants to be unemployed for three full months; those on involuntary no-pay-leave or with significant salary loss can also apply if they provide evidence of future impact.
ComCare recipients are not eligible for CSG but can receive further assistance through ComCare, with automatic extensions and reviews for those whose circumstances worsen due to the pandemic.
Agencies are encouraged to refer individuals to the appropriate schemes, and efforts are being made to strengthen community networks to better identify and support vulnerable households.

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4 Jun 2020

Workplace Injuries and Compensation Given Work-from-home Arrangements

Patrick Tay asked for greater clarity on work injury compensation, insurance coverage, and premiums when employees work from home, noting that the home becomes the workplace and the employer's burden of proof may change.
Melvin Yong inquired about hand and finger injuries in 2019, including amputations, causes, and trends over the past decade, highlighting concerns despite safety campaigns.
The Minister of State affirmed that employer responsibilities for work injury compensation remain unchanged under work-from-home arrangements, requiring fact-finding to confirm injuries arose from work activities.
In 2019, there were 149 major hand and finger injuries at work, with 123 resulting in amputations, and the top causes were lack of machine guards, inadequate safe work procedures, and failure to follow procedures.
The Return to Work Programme has been effective, with about 90% of hand and finger amputation cases successfully returning to work from 2017 to 2019.

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4 Jun 2020

Help for Employers, Employees and Those Looking for Jobs during COVID-19 Crisis

Multiple MPs raised concerns about job security, fair dismissal practices, salary protection, and support for both local and foreign workers during the COVID-19 crisis, including queries on CPF reductions, retrenchment benefits, and assistance for Singaporeans overseas.
The Minister for Manpower outlined existing measures such as the Jobs Support Scheme, tripartite advisories, and SkillsFuture initiatives, emphasizing fair treatment, communication between employers and employees, and targeted support for affected sectors while cautioning against permanent damage to retirement savings from CPF cuts.
Discussions highlighted the need for proactive skills upgrading, fair recruitment practices, and clear guidelines to prevent disguised retrenchments, with a focus on balancing employer flexibility and worker protections during the economic downturn.

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26 May 2020

Gross Monthly Income of Full-time Employed Resident Workers above 15 Years Old at Bottom Percentiles

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Manpower for the gross monthly income of full-time employed resident workers above 15 years old at the bottom 5th to 20th percentiles over the last three years, excluding employer CPF contributions.
The question sought annual income data for the specified low-income percentiles to assess wage trends among resident workers.
Mr Speaker approved the withdrawal of Mr Zainal Sapari's question before any ministerial response was recorded.
The debate thus concluded without further discussion or data presentation on the requested income figures.
No official figures or policy updates were shared in this parliamentary exchange.

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26 May 2020

Government's Plans in Our Continuing Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic

The government announced a $33 billion Fortitude Budget, the fourth in 2020, bringing total pandemic support to nearly $100 billion (about 20% of GDP), with a further draw of $31 billion from past reserves approved by the President.
The budget focuses on protecting jobs through enhancements to the Jobs Support Scheme, a new SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package to create 100,000 opportunities, and significant support for businesses on cash flow, costs, and credit, including rental relief and digital transformation grants.
Additional measures include direct aid for households like a $100 utilities credit and increased support for charities and social service agencies, alongside initiatives to boost digital inclusion for seniors and students to build social resilience.

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4 May 2020

Eligibility of Lower and Middle Income Singaporeans for COVID-19 Support Grant whose Employment Offers were Revoked Due to Outbreak

Murali Pillai queried if lower and middle-income Singaporeans whose job offers were revoked due to COVID-19 but who had not started work could qualify for the COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG).
The CSG is available to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who were previously employed but lost their jobs or were on involuntary no-pay leave for at least three consecutive months due to COVID-19, with eligibility starting from May 2020.
Individuals who lost at least 50% of their income for three consecutive months can also apply for the CSG, provided their employment or income changes occurred after 23 January 2020.
The grant does not cover those whose employment offers were revoked before they began work or who lacked valid employment contracts, but low-income individuals can seek ComCare assistance from Social Service Offices.

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4 May 2020

Update on Management of COVID-19 Impact on Employment of Fresh Graduates, General Workforce and Foreign Worker Dormitories

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the management of foreign worker dormitories, including licensing conditions, the need to update technical standards, the collection of housing data, and compliance enforcement under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act.
Specific questions were asked about the movement and numbers of Malaysian workers during the circuit breaker period, and the employment impact on Singaporeans returning from overseas and fresh graduates in a COVID-19-affected job market.
The Minister for Manpower responded that these issues had been addressed in a Ministerial Statement on 4 May 2020.

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4 May 2020

Need to Advertise in Jobs Bank for 14 Days Prior to Hiring of Personalised Employment Pass Holders and Rationale for Non-advertisement

Leon Perera questioned whether employers must advertise a job on the Jobs Bank for 14 days before hiring a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holder and sought the rationale if not required.
Josephine Teo clarified that PEP holders are in senior or specialized roles and do not need employer sponsorship, only notifying MOM upon employment, so the advertising requirement does not apply.
The PEP scheme is likened to global talent programs in the UK and Australia to attract senior talent, and PEP holders constitute about 1% of new Employment Passes issued.

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4 May 2020

Better Support for Essential Service Workers Living Outside Dormitories During COVID-19 Outbreak

Denise Phua asked how essential service workers living outside dormitories, like town council cleaners, could be better supported by the government and residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Lawrence Wong outlined government support measures such as tax rebates, foreign worker levy waivers, and the Jobs Support Scheme to stabilize businesses and protect workers’ livelihoods.
Employers are legally required to implement safe distancing and provide protective equipment, with tripartite advisories ensuring fair remuneration and sector sustainability.
A reduction in essential workers during the circuit breaker may degrade services, and public understanding is sought to support these efforts.
The government thanked essential service workers and called for public support for their critical contributions during the pandemic.

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4 May 2020

Quantum of Wage Subsidies for Service Industries/Companies of Hotels Deriving 100% of Business from Hotels

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether service industries and companies that derive 100% of their business from hotels can receive the same wage subsidy quantum as hotels.
The Ministry of Finance explained that the Jobs Support Scheme provides at least 25% wage support, with higher rates of up to 75% for sectors most affected by COVID-19, such as tourism and aviation.
Firms that are significantly impacted but not automatically eligible can appeal for higher support through IRAS, with each case assessed on its merits.
The government encourages businesses to adapt and diversify their strategies in response to the changing economic landscape.

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4 May 2020

Adequacy of Current Number of Qualified Lift Technicians to Meet Requirements in Enhanced Regulatory Framework for Lift Maintenance Industry

There are currently about 2,400 lift technicians in Singapore, with BCA implementing measures such as a progressive wage model and exploring technology to enhance productivity and attract talent.
To meet enhanced standards, lift technicians must obtain a Nitec in Built Environment (Vertical Transport) or a Certificate of Competency (CoC) before independently maintaining lifts; over 400 technicians already meet this requirement.
BCA is working with ITE to ensure sufficient training capacity for technicians to meet the certification requirements ahead of their implementation.
Once effective, deploying uncertified technicians for independent lift maintenance will be an offense, and BCA will conduct audits and enforce actions against violators.
The government is focused on ensuring an adequate supply of qualified technicians to support the growing lift stock and maintain high maintenance standards under the enhanced regulatory framework.

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