Employment & labour — Topics

4 May 2020

Singapore’s Plans for Economy as Other Countries Gradually Reopen Their Economies

The government is phasing the reopening of Singapore’s economy in a measured, step-by-step manner, prioritising sectors critical to trade, supply chains, and employment while delaying high-traffic venues until safe measures are in place.
Enhanced health safeguards, including widespread testing, contact tracing technology, and stricter safe management practices for all businesses, will be enforced to protect public health as economic activities resume.
Long-term structural changes to the global economy will require companies to adapt business models and workers to reskill, with new opportunities in sectors like medical services, biotechnology, and online education.
The government will collaborate with trade associations and SMEs to help businesses meet stronger safe management requirements and prepare for gradual reopening.
Despite the challenges, confidence is expressed that Singapore can successfully restructure its economy, drawing on past experience and collective effort from the government, employers, and workers.

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4 May 2020

Second Update on Whole-of-Government Response to COVID-19

The government has implemented circuit breaker measures to curb community transmission, with signs of success in reducing daily cases, while also intensifying efforts to control outbreaks among migrant workers in dormitories through testing, medical support, and isolation facilities.
Singapore is rapidly expanding healthcare capacity, including hospital beds, ICU facilities, and community care centers, while ramping up testing and contact tracing capabilities to safely manage a gradual reopening post-circuit breaker.
Support measures for businesses and workers, including wage support and job initiatives, are being deployed alongside dedicated care for migrant workers, with commitments to review pandemic responses and improve standards after the crisis.

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4 May 2020

Number of Essential Services Companies Allowed to Operate during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Period

The Minister reported that during the initial circuit breaker period starting 7 April 2020, about 21% of the workforce operated on-site across approximately 80,000 essential entities, with numbers dropping to 17% of the workforce across around 45,000 entities after enhanced measures on 21 April 2020, excluding telecommuting workers.
The government plans to progressively reopen the economy by prioritizing sectors vital to global supply chains, such as pharmaceuticals, biomedical, electronics, and petrochemicals, as well as key hubs like finance, trade, aviation, and ports, while maintaining safe distancing, hygiene, and cohorting measures for sustainable operations.
To address inconsistencies in how essential businesses are regulated under the tightened circuit breaker, the Minister explained that guidelines aim to minimize social interactions and aggregate essential services, with companies pared down to minimum necessary operations based on demand and efficiency, leading to varying instructions for firms in the same industry.

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4 May 2020

Rationale for Extending Wage Subsidies under Jobs Support Scheme as COVID-19 Measures to Company Shareholders Employed as Directors

The government extended the Jobs Support Scheme to include shareholder-directors after feedback that their wages, which form a significant part of company wage bills, were previously excluded and they did not qualify for other relief schemes.
This extension aims to help shareholder-directors, especially in smaller companies and start-ups, retain their own livelihoods while supporting their employees during the COVID-19 crisis.
To target support effectively, the wage subsidies are limited to shareholder-directors with assessable incomes not exceeding $100,000 in the Year of Assessment 2019.
The enhancement is expected to benefit around 50,000 shareholder-directors, with payouts including back-payments for those excluded from earlier support.
The policy change reflects a review to address gaps in existing support measures and ensure broader coverage for those affected by the pandemic.

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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

Members of Parliament asked about the latest updates on COVID-19 infections in foreign worker dormitories, the effectiveness of containment measures, and whether a Commission of Inquiry should be appointed to investigate the outbreak's causes, stakeholder responsibilities, and propose reforms.
Questions were raised about the employment prospects and support options for fresh graduates, including collaboration between employers and the government, as well as recourse for employees who have not been paid despite their employers receiving the Jobs Support Scheme.
Parliament debated the need to amend the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act to cover all types of dormitories and improve living standards, such as increasing minimum space per resident and excluding basic facilities from area calculations.
Members sought information on lessons learned from managing dormitories, the role of dormitory owners in mitigating spread, and whether infected workers had spread the virus to the broader community.
The Minister for Health noted that the Minister for Manpower would address these questions in her Ministerial Statement, indicating a forthcoming government response on policy measures and regulatory actions.

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7 Apr 2020

Number of Downloads of Snapsafe App since 2017 and Top Three Unsafe Practices Reported via App

Since its launch in December 2017, the Snapsafe app has been downloaded 20,233 times.
From December 2017 to February 2020, 2,081 reports on unsafe workplace practices were made via the app.
The top three unsafe practices reported were work at height without fall protection, lack or improper use of personal protective equipment, and unsafe lifting practices such as using forklifts improperly or without proper licensing.
The Ministry of Manpower has taken action against 84% of investigated cases based on reports submitted through the app.

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7 Apr 2020

Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021

The Ministry of Manpower received a $500 million increase to its budget to provide employers with a Foreign Worker Levy Rebate, temporarily easing labour costs for affected firms.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry was allocated an additional $200 million for enhancements to business support programmes, including the Temporary Bridging Loan Programme and Enterprise Financing Scheme.
A $4 billion increase was approved for Head Z, with $2.9 billion to enhance the Jobs Support Scheme and $1.1 billion for a one-off Solidarity Payment to households.

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7 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the use of three historic Budgets totaling $160 billion to protect lives, save jobs, and ensure Singapore's future through fiscal prudence and drawing on past reserves.
Key measures include enhanced support for businesses through the Jobs Support Scheme, property tax rebates, and credit facilities, as well as direct cash assistance and income relief for workers, including self-employed persons and low-wage employees.
The government is prioritizing health by implementing circuit breaker measures while building economic and social resilience, with initiatives like the Emerging Stronger Task Force and the Singapore Together movement to navigate the crisis and prepare for recovery.

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7 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Parliament overwhelmingly supported the government's Resilience and Solidarity Budgets, praising the massive financial package for providing swift and comprehensive support to businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many speakers expressing confidence in Singapore's ability to overcome the crisis through strong leadership and public cooperation.
Several members highlighted specific gaps and called for more targeted aid, including extending the Jobs Support Scheme to business owners and directors, increasing assistance for self-employed persons (SEPs) and those on unpaid leave, providing more relief for commercial tenants, and offering support to permanent residents and long-term visit pass holders.
While the government's means-tested approach was largely acknowledged, a notable proposal from a Nominated Member advocated for a temporary Universal Basic Income Scheme to provide weekly cash payouts to all citizens, financed by a temporary income tax increase, to ensure no one falls through the cracks during the rapid economic downturn.

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7 Apr 2020

Screening Criteria for Foreign Domestic Workers beyond Mandatory Health Screening

The Ministry of Manpower requires foreign domestic workers to undergo mandatory health screenings for infectious diseases but does not mandate additional screenings for criminal records, bankruptcy, mental health, or character assessments, citing cost and effectiveness concerns.
Existing measures include access to an FDW’s biodata, employment history, and a reference channel for contacting previous employers, as well as blacklisting FDWs for previous offences or if they are underage.
Employers are encouraged to supervise and support FDWs, while the Ministry provides stress management education and works with NGOs to help FDWs adjust, aiming to prevent abuse through better matching and support systems.

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7 Apr 2020

Update on Return to Work Programme and Number of Workers Helped

The Return to Work (RTW) programme, launched in 2017, operates in all seven public hospitals with Accident and Emergency departments, except KK Hospital which caters to women and children.
As of end 2019, 1,922 injured workers have participated, with about 95% successfully placed back to work, a significant improvement from the pre-programme rate of 75%.
Participation is around 64% of eligible workers, with non-participation mainly due to workers resigning or being dismissed by employers; expansion of the programme to more hospitals is not planned as current coverage already includes all relevant A&E hospitals.

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6 Apr 2020

Tripartite Standard on Gender-Equal Workplace Practices to Require Companies to Adopt Regular Audits of Employee Wages to Ensure Gender Parity and Adequate Female Representation in Key Positions

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry for Manpower to consider introducing a Tripartite Standard on Gender-Equal Workplace Practices requiring companies to conduct regular wage audits and ensure adequate female representation in key leadership positions.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that while the Ministry supports fair employment practices, imposing a Tripartite Standard may not achieve the desired outcomes and could unintentionally discourage hiring lower-wage women or widen pay gaps.
The government prefers addressing root causes, such as social norms and caregiving roles, by promoting flexible work arrangements and other initiatives to support women's career progression and leadership opportunities.
Singapore has made progress, with the adjusted gender pay gap narrowing and women's board representation increasing, and the government aims to continue encouraging balanced caregiving responsibilities and workplace flexibility.
The debate highlights differing approaches: legislating audits and standards versus addressing underlying social and structural factors to achieve gender parity in the workplace.

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6 Apr 2020

Flexible Work Arrangements for Frontline Workers and Employer Support for Better Work-life Harmony

Mrs Josephine Teo highlighted that the majority of companies in sectors employing frontline workers like nurses, cleaners, and security officers already offer flexible work arrangements (FWAs) such as staggered shifts or shared workloads, and noted that MOM and tripartite partners are developing sector-specific resources to support more employers.
She emphasized that achieving better work-life harmony requires both employers to understand frontline workers' challenges, optimize work processes, avoid excessive workloads, and respect rest periods, while employees must take personal responsibility in defining their work-life goals.
The debate underscored the role of the Citizens' Panel on Work-Life Harmony in guiding these efforts, with a focus on collaborative solutions between employers, employees, and government partners.

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6 Apr 2020

Applications Received for Letter of Consent to Employ LTVP/LTVP+ Holder in Restricted Occupations and Number Approved and Approval Criteria in Each of Last Five Years

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked the Minister for Manpower for the number of applications received and approved for Letters of Consent to employ LTVP/LTVP+ holders in restricted media and religion occupations over the past five years, as well as the approval criteria.
The Minister responded that 134 such applications were received in the past five years, with most approved.
Applications are assessed on individual merit, with input from relevant government agencies, and no specific approval criteria were detailed beyond this general process.

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6 Apr 2020

Factors that Led to Higher Percentage of Eligible Fathers in Public Sector Taking Paternity Leave Compared to Private Sector

The government's study showed that workplace support from supervisors and colleagues is a key factor affecting paternity leave uptake, with the public sector having a supportive social norm where 84% of fathers take leave.
In the public sector, the high percentage of eligible fathers taking paternity leave is self-reinforcing, as it helps fathers feel assured about taking the leave due to supportive supervisors and colleagues.
The government will continue working with tripartite partners, employers, and community partners to strengthen attitudes and norms supporting fathers taking paternity leave across all sectors.

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6 Apr 2020

Default Arrangement for Fathers Taking Paternity Leave in Any Combination Within 12 Months After Birth of Child without Mutual Agreement from Employer

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Prime Minister to allow fathers to split the two weeks of paternity leave into any combination within 12 months after birth without needing employer agreement.
The Prime Minister's representative explained that the current default arrangement of taking leave within 16 weeks helps fathers support their families during a critical period and aligns with international practices.
Flexible leave taking is already permitted for up to a year with mutual employer agreement, balancing father's needs with workplace manpower requirements.
The government encourages flexible work arrangements and unpaid leave to support parents, working with tripartite partners to promote family-friendly work cultures.
The government will continue efforts to help employers support parents in managing work and family responsibilities, including paternity leave.

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6 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The government’s Resilience and Solidarity Budgets provide broad support for workers, businesses, and families affected by COVID-19, with measures including cash payouts, rental and loan relief, and enhanced job support schemes, which were widely praised for their generosity and timeliness.
Several MPs highlighted specific gaps, calling for faster disbursement of aid, expanded eligibility for self-employed and gig workers, more support for sectors like sports and retail, and automatic renewal of assistance to reduce administrative burdens during the circuit breaker.
Concerns were raised about the long-term mental health impact of the crisis, with suggestions for a national mental health strategy, free first consultations, and targeted support for vulnerable groups such as low-income households, seniors, and migrant workers.
The debate also emphasized the need for structural reforms, including improving housing conditions to reduce overcrowding, enhancing food security, accelerating digital transformation for SMEs, and ensuring sustainable use of national reserves for future generations.
Members urged collective solidarity and responsibility, with calls for all Singaporeans to adhere to safe distancing measures, support one another, and use this crisis as an opportunity to innovate, upskill, and build a more resilient and equitable society.

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6 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Parliament unanimously endorsed the multi-Budget response to COVID-19, with lawmakers praising the swift, decisive action and the unprecedented scale of support drawing on national reserves to protect lives and livelihoods during the "circuit breaker" period.
Key measures highlighted include enhanced wage support through the Job Support Scheme, cash assistance for displaced workers and the self-employed, and targeted aid for severely impacted sectors like aviation, with ongoing concerns about implementation speed and eligibility criteria.
Looking ahead, speakers urged leveraging the crisis to build long-term resilience, such as strengthening food security, accelerating digital transformation, and creating short-term jobs, while emphasizing the need for unity and tripartite cooperation to emerge stronger.

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6 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to Elevated Safe Distancing Measures

The Deputy Prime Minister introduced a $5.1 billion Solidarity Budget to support workers and businesses during a four-week "circuit breaker" period of heightened safe distancing measures, including a 75% wage subsidy for April and enhanced financing schemes.
Direct cash assistance will be provided to households through a one-off $600 Solidarity Payment for all adult Singaporeans, while eligibility for the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme is broadened to include more affected individuals.
Additional measures include waiving foreign worker levies for April, providing rebates to employers, and requiring landlords to pass on property tax rebates to tenants, with funding partly drawn from past reserves and the fiscal budget.

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26 Mar 2020

Rational Immigration Policy in an Irrational Age

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira highlighted that public misperceptions about immigration—such as overstating immigrant numbers and their economic impact—often distort policy debates, and argued that Singapore must adopt a fact-based, research-driven approach to immigration that treats immigrants as partners rather than just economic solutions.
He presented estimated data suggesting Permanent Residents (PRs) in Singapore tend to be more skilled and earn more than citizens but face higher retrenchment risks, underscoring the need for transparent labour market statistics and targeted support for locals adversely affected.
Minister Josephine Teo responded that Singapore’s immigration policy prioritizes integration and long-term commitment over purely economic criteria, and that attracting skilled PRs aligns with national interests, while noting that current selective policies remain sustainable due to high application numbers.

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