Employment & labour — Topics

19 Mar 2018

Electronic Payments for Work Permit Holders

Louis Ng asked why electronic salary payments are mandatory for S Pass holders but not for work permit holders, and how the Ministry verifies that cash payments match the stated salary vouchers.
The Minister of State explained that e-payments are required for S Pass holders to prove minimum salary compliance, while work permit holders and small employers prefer cash due to convenience and administrative costs, though e-payments are already encouraged and two-thirds of work permit holders receive salaries electronically.
The Minister of State noted that employers can open e-payment accounts for work permit holders during work permit applications, with about two-thirds doing so, and that workers should report any discrepancies in payments to MOM.
Louis Ng inquired if the Ministry tracks the number of employers opening bank accounts for work permit holders and what proportion of such workers have local bank accounts, to which the Minister responded that around two-thirds are paid electronically and a similar proportion of employers open accounts.
Louis Ng suggested incentivizing employers to open bank accounts for work permit holders to increase e-payment adoption, and the Minister agreed to continue consultations and policy reviews to explore ways to encourage more comprehensive e-payment systems while maintaining flexibility.

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19 Mar 2018

Wrongful or Unfair Dismissal That Will Be Heard by Employment Claims Tribunals

The Second Minister for Manpower clarified that the Employment Claims Tribunal will handle two types of wrongful dismissal: dismissal without grounds like poor performance or misconduct, and termination of pregnant employees without maternity benefits.
Patrick Tay asked whether constructive dismissals, forced resignations, and non-renewal of contracts are covered, and the Minister confirmed that only constructive dismissals are included, while non-renewals and probation non-confirmations are not.
The Minister stated that employers are not required to give reasons for termination with notice, similar to employees resigning, but employees can still seek help if they believe the dismissal was wrongful.
Louis Ng asked if the ECT can award damages beyond the notice period, and the Minister responded that compensation depends on the employee’s claimed losses and the Tribunal’s assessment.
The Ministry of Manpower agreed to work with tripartite partners to create FAQs or guidelines for clearer public understanding of unfair dismissal cases.

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19 Mar 2018

Coverage of Compulsory Medical Insurance Policies for Domestic Helpers

The Ministry of Manpower explained that the current compulsory medical insurance coverage of $15,000 meets 97% of domestic helper medical bills, and employers can seek help from medical social workers if they face genuine difficulties, though employers also have the option to purchase higher coverage plans.
MPs raised concerns about gaps in coverage for critical, chronic, or mental illnesses, the potential for huge out-of-pocket costs, and the need for better dissemination of information on enhanced insurance options, especially for elderly or first-time employers.
The Ministry responded that it tracks hospital bill data, engages employment agencies to improve communication about insurance options, and encourages employers to approach medical social workers or the Ministry if they encounter delays in claims or genuine financial hardship.

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5 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head S (Ministry of Manpower)

The Ministry of Manpower announced the removal of the $4,500 salary cap in the Employment Act to extend core protections like leave and wrongful dismissal remedies to all PMETs, and will raise the cap for non-workmen’s overtime eligibility to $2,600.
The Employment Claims Tribunal will be expanded to cover wrongful dismissal cases, creating a one-stop dispute resolution centre, while Tripartite Standards for term-contract workers and self-employed persons were introduced or enhanced to address issues like contract clarity, income protection, and MediSave contributions.
Measures to support older and low-wage workers were strengthened, including job redesign grants, Progressive Wage Model expansions, and re-employment age support, alongside initiatives to boost productivity, local hiring, and workplace safety and health.

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2 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head V (Ministry of Trade and Industry)

Singapore's startup ecosystem has grown significantly, with startup numbers rising from 22,000 in 2003 to 43,000 in 2016, and government initiatives like Startup SG and enhanced funding schemes are boosting innovation and global investor interest.
The government is restructuring agencies like the Competition Commission to better protect consumers and support businesses, while balancing pro-enterprise policies with consumer safeguards for both online and offline transactions.
To adapt to economic shifts, Singapore is promoting lifelong learning through SkillsFuture and Professional Conversion Programmes, helping workers, especially PMETs, reskill and transition into growing sectors like healthcare, infocomm, and wholesale trade.
The government is fostering global market expertise through overseas training programmes for students and business leaders, such as the SkillsFuture Young Talent Programme and the new ASEAN Leadership Programme, to help Singaporeans capture opportunities in Asia.
Industry partnerships, employer engagement, and ecosystem support are critical for driving transformation, with companies urged to invest in skills development and international expansion to sustain competitiveness and create local jobs.

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1 Mar 2018

Top Five Industries where Freelancers Venture Into

The top five occupations for freelancers in Singapore are taxi drivers, real estate agents, working proprietors, insurance agents, and private hire car drivers.
The government provides skills training support for freelancers through initiatives like SkillsFuture and Workfare Training Support, which are available to all self-employed persons, not just those in the creative industry.
The Second Minister for Manpower acknowledged the need to intensify outreach efforts for freelancers, especially through associations, to help them access training schemes and avoid skills stagnation.

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27 Feb 2018

Authenticity and Accuracy of Description of Jobs Advertised on Internet-based Job Portals

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Ministry for Manpower about measures to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of jobs advertised on internet-based job portals.
The government has established the national Jobs Bank with safeguards such as requiring Singapore-registered employers to use Unique Entity Numbers and jobseekers to log in via SingPass to enhance accountability and reduce fraudulent postings.
Users can report misleading advertisements to Workforce Singapore, which investigates and may take action against companies responsible for false job listings.
Jobseekers are advised to use reputable portals, and while such sites are not licensed, criminal intent behind fake job ads may be penalized under the Penal Code.

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27 Feb 2018

Compliance Rate of Employers in Cases of Non-Payment of Arrears

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about the compliance rate of employers who were ordered to pay arrears to workers after their cases were heard.
Between April and December 2017, 3,750 salary claims concluded with employer payment orders, and salaries were fully recovered in about 92% of cases.
The remaining claims involved 139 employers, most of whom ceased operations or faced financial difficulties, with financial relief provided to affected workers through partnerships with NTUC's U Care Centre and the Migrant Workers' Centre.
Of the six employers who did not pay despite being operational, one has appealed to the High Court, while the Ministry of Manpower will prosecute the other five under the Employment Act.

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27 Feb 2018

Plans to Cover Domestic Workers under Employment Act

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked whether there are plans to cover domestic workers under the Employment Act (EA).
The Minister for Manpower (Lim Swee Say) stated that domestic workers are not covered by the EA due to the personalised nature of their work, which makes regulation of hours and public holidays impractical.
The majority of domestic workers are foreign domestic workers (FDWs) protected under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), which includes provisions for salary, rest days, food, and accommodation.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) encourages domestic workers to approach them for advice and assistance if they face issues with employers.
The EA is regularly reviewed to adapt to changing labour conditions, but no specific plans were mentioned to include domestic workers under it.

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27 Feb 2018

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The Budget addresses rising expenditures on healthcare, infrastructure, and an ageing population, with a planned GST increase from 7% to 9% between 2021 and 2025 to ensure fiscal sustainability, accompanied by offset packages for lower- and middle-income households.
Economic transformation is prioritized through Industry Transformation Maps, SkillsFuture initiatives, and support for businesses, including grants for digitalization and innovation, while emphasizing the need for workforce upskilling and adaptability in the face of technological disruption.
Debates highlighted concerns about social mobility, gender inequality, and support for vulnerable groups, with calls for more progressive taxation, better caregiver support, and policies to address retirement adequacy and low-wage workers' conditions.

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27 Feb 2018

Safeguard Working Conditions of Postmen

Louis Ng asked if there are limits on mailboxes per postman, regulations to safeguard working conditions, and how technology can ease workloads; the Minister replied that there is no mailbox limit but SingPost must meet service standards, review routes for fairness, comply with labour laws, and has invested in automation and equipment.
The Minister noted SingPost’s workload involves delivering to about 2,000 dwelling units within a six-hour window, with overtime pay, and that no salary complaints have been received in five years.
Louis Ng asked about the scope of IMDA’s investigation into a postman’s dismissal and whether it would lead to workload reviews; the Minister said details are pending but any necessary measures would be communicated to SingPost.
The Minister emphasized that IMDA enforces quality of service standards and will take regulatory action if SingPost fails to comply.

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27 Feb 2018

Impact of SkillsFuture on Employability of Graduates above Age 40

The Second Minister for Manpower reported that in 2016, about 5,000 PMETs aged 40 and above were retrenched, with roughly one-third finding jobs back in the same industry and the rest in a different industry through programs like Adapt and Grow.
The number of PMETs aged 40 and above who secured jobs through career matching services increased by almost 50% from 2016 to 2017, reaching over 6,000 individuals.
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar raised concerns about low awareness of SkillsFuture initiatives beyond the $500 credit, prompting questions on data about public knowledge and plans for increased outreach.
The Second Minister acknowledged SkillsFuture's relative newness and the need for more roadshows and targeted outreach to both individuals and businesses to improve awareness and uptake of its schemes.
The government emphasizes various channels and initiatives under SkillsFuture and Adapt and Grow to support workers in job transitions and skill development, especially for those over 40.

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27 Feb 2018

Accountability of Food Delivery and Courier Service Companies for Work-related Traffic Accidents

Joan Pereira asked about the safety inspection findings of 50 food delivery and courier companies and whether legislation would make them accountable for work-related traffic accidents involving delivery personnel.
The Minister reported that inspections found 71 notices issued for safety lapses, mainly inadequate risk assessments, and noted that the Workplace Safety and Health Act already requires companies to ensure worker safety, including for part-timers and contractors.
Pereira followed up by asking if employers should be mandated to buy special insurance for delivery men to cover third-party risks.
The Minister responded that third-party risks are covered for delivery men using vehicles, but not for those using personal mobility devices, a gap being studied by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel.

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19 Feb 2018

Change in Employers for Existing Work Permit Holders

From 2015 to 2017, 21 employers were found collecting kickbacks from Work Permit holders who changed employers, an offense punishable by fines up to $30,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both.
The Ministry of Manpower has allowed construction and process sector workers to change employers under certain conditions since 2015 and 2017, with workers able to seek new employment independently or through agencies like the Singapore Contractors Association Limited’s directory and the Migrant Workers’ Centre.
As of December 2017, about 131,000 Work Permit holders had changed employers near pass expiry or with employer consent, indicating a significant uptake of these flexibilities.

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19 Feb 2018

Annual Budget Statement

The Minister outlined a strategic budget focused on adapting to three major shifts: global economic weight moving towards Asia, technological disruption, and an ageing population, aiming to build a vibrant, innovative economy, a smart and green city, and a caring society while ensuring fiscal sustainability.
To support the economy, the budget extends the Wage Credit Scheme and Corporate Income Tax rebate, defers foreign worker levy increases for struggling sectors, and introduces new measures like the Productivity Solutions Grant and enhanced tax deductions for R&D and IP to foster innovation and capability building.
For society, the budget enhances education and housing grants, expands support for seniors through initiatives like the Community Networks for Seniors, and extends tax incentives to encourage volunteerism and philanthropy to foster a caring and cohesive society.
To ensure fiscal sustainability for the coming decade, the budget plans for increased spending on healthcare, infrastructure, and security by saving ahead in new funds, considering borrowing for infrastructure, and announcing a planned GST increase from 7% to 9% between 2021 and 2025, implemented progressively with offsets for lower-income households.

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19 Feb 2018

Percentage of Singaporean Mother Tongue Teachers in Preschools

The Minister for Social and Family Development reported that about 75% of early childhood educators capable of teaching Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) and 60% of MTL-specialist educators are locals (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents).
The government has implemented strategies such as specialized MTL tracks in polytechnics, training awards, mid-career support through subsidies and salary grants, and awards to raise the profile of MTL preschool teachers.
The Ministry of Education annually presents the Outstanding Preschool MTL Teacher Award to recognize passionate and dedicated MTL teachers.
Future plans include collaboration with the National Institute for Early Childhood Development to enhance training and career development for MTL teachers.
The Minister did not have a specific breakdown of Singaporean percentages for individual mother tongues and indicated further details would be provided at the Committee of Supply.

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19 Feb 2018

Trend for Workplace Injuries and System for Workplace Injury Reporting

The Ministry of Manpower reported an average of 12,800 workplace injuries annually over the past five years, with reporting criteria aligned to international practices that focus on serious injuries (more than three days' sick leave or hospitalization for over 24 hours), and the Minister stated the system is comparable to those in the EU and UK.
The Ministry acknowledged the possibility of under-reporting but noted no evidence of widespread issues, and measures exist for workers to report injuries directly; it also addressed concerns about doctors issuing shorter medical certificates by considering cumulative sick days and investigating potential avoidance practices.
The Ministry indicated it continuously reviews its injury reporting regime, referencing international best practices, and is exploring upstream measures like encouraging near-miss reporting through initiatives such as the SnapSAFE app, with potential future mandates considered based on need.

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19 Feb 2018

Top SkillsFuture Courses and Their Impact on Employability of Participants

The Minister listed the top 10 SkillsFuture courses, which are heavily ICT-focused, with 62,000 claims over two years and 90% of participants being Singaporeans aged 40 and above.
It is difficult to directly attribute job outcomes to the SkillsFuture Credit scheme, but its primary goal is to foster a lifelong learning mindset, while other targeted programmes monitor job placement results.
The approach to course eligibility for SkillsFuture Credit is broad and bottom-up, allowing individuals to choose from around 20,000 courses to encourage personal skill development, unlike more curated programmes.

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6 Feb 2018

Number of Singaporeans Continuing to Work beyond 62 and 67 Years Old over Last Five Years

The number of Singaporean residents employed beyond age 62 and age 67 has increased over the past five years.
In 2017, 64% of employed residents aged 67 and above were male, and the majority held secondary or lower qualifications.
Older workers beyond 67 were mostly employed as production and transport operators, cleaners, and labourers, with smaller proportions in clerical, sales, service, and professional roles.

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6 Feb 2018

Manpower Gaps in Quantum Computing, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence

The Prime Minister acknowledged growing demand for data analytics, AI, and nascent quantum computing skills in Singapore's financial sector, with over 20 financial institutions establishing innovation labs, but noted a talent shortage as the key bottleneck.
To address this, the Monetary Authority of Singapore is prioritizing local upskilling through a $27 million grant, new learning modules via the Institute of Banking and Finance, and expanded courses with Institutes of Higher Learning, though building local talent takes time.
While developing local capabilities, Singapore plans to complement them by attracting international experts through the Capability Transfer Programme, working with the Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Singapore to ensure a favorable environment for foreign talent.

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