Employment & labour — Topics

11 Sep 2017

Employment Agencies Industry Averages for Foreign Domestic Worker Retention and Transfer Rates from 2015 to 2017

For each year from 2015 to 2017, employment agencies' industry average retention rate for foreign domestic workers was around 50%, while the transfer rate remained below 1.5%.
The Ministry of Manpower is improving the industry's professionalism through the EA Customer Rating System, which captures employer ratings and makes them available online to help employers choose agencies.
The Ministry has introduced the Advanced Placement Scheme pilot to facilitate face-to-face interviews, improving matching and retention, and has no plans to require physical display of rates at agency premises.

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11 Sep 2017

Exclusion of Overtime Pay in Workfare Income Supplement Computation of Monthly Salary

Liang Eng Hwa proposed excluding overtime pay from monthly salary calculations for the Workfare Income Supplement to address irregular allowances and prevent disincentives for overtime work near the $2,000 cut-off.
The Government considered but rejected excluding basic pay, overtime, and bonuses, as total income reflects what supports workers and their families.
Assessing total income ensures fairness in providing WIS support to low-wage workers without incentivizing reduced basic pay or increased overtime.

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11 Sep 2017

Rate of Uptake of Parent-care Leave in Public and Private Sectors from 2014 to 2016

Civil servants took up to two days of parent-care leave annually, with uptake rates of 39% in 2014, 40% in 2015, and 42% in 2016.
Parent-care leave is not mandated by law, and a 2016 survey found that only 19% of private employers offered it.
The public sector showed a steady increase in leave uptake over the three years, while private sector participation remained limited.

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11 Sep 2017

Review of Airline Industry to Assess Need for Structural Changes

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked if a committee should be formed to review structural changes in the airline industry and how many airline employees lost jobs between 2016 and 2017.
The Minister for Transport responded that the airline workforce grew by over 5% since 2015 to nearly 17,000, with more employees joining than leaving in 2016 and early 2017.
The industry faces disruptions from technology, competition, and new business models, but airlines are continuously evaluating their value proposition and working with unions on restructuring and automation.
The government engages airlines through platforms like the Connectivity Subcommittee and has launched the Air Transport Industry Transformation Map to boost productivity and job quality.
These measures aim to support airlines in staying competitive and adapting to changes without the need for a new committee.

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11 Sep 2017

Work Permits for Male Foreign Domestic Helpers to Care for Male Elderly Disabled Persons

Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Minister for Manpower about the conditions under which male foreign domestic helpers are granted Work Permits to care for male elderly disabled persons at their residences.
The Ministry of Manpower evaluates applications for male foreign domestic workers on a case-by-case basis, exercising flexibility in exceptional situations, such as when families have special caregiving needs.
A male foreign domestic worker may be considered more suitable if the male elderly disabled person is of heavy build or behaves aggressively, or if the worker has relevant nursing or caregiving skills.
All applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria for foreign domestic workers.

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11 Sep 2017

SkillsFuture Credit for Employers and Businesses

Patrick Tay asked whether the Ministry would consider creating a SkillsFuture credit for employers and businesses, particularly SMEs and startups, to support employee training.
Ong Ye Kung highlighted existing support schemes like the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs offering up to 90% course fee subsidies, SPRING’s Capability Development Grant, and the SkillsFuture SME Mentors Programme.
Ong Ye Kung explained that while SkillsFuture Credit for individuals encourages self-upgrade, businesses should be inherently motivated to improve, and targeted programmes are more effective than direct credits for employers.

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11 Sep 2017

Proposal for Rehabilitation Programme for Inmates to Plan, Prepare and Serve Meals to Public

Christopher de Souza proposed a rehabilitation programme where inmates could plan, prepare, cook, and serve meals to the public to learn skills, experience career progression, and obtain certifications and savings.
K Shanmugam noted that the Singapore Prison Service and SCORE already offer vocational culinary training in prisons, including preparing meals for external functions and earning WSQ certifications aligned with industry standards.
He highlighted programmes like the Hope Cafe, which trains inmates in culinary arts and F&B operations, and SCORE’s assistance in helping trained inmates secure post-release jobs in the F&B sector.

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11 Sep 2017

Number of Amputations due to Workplace Accidents

There were 389 amputation cases due to workplace accidents in the past three years, with 129 cases in 2014, 117 in 2015, 143 in 2016, and 57 cases in the first half of 2017.
The main causes are the lack of machine guards or safety design in machines, employers' failure to establish adequate safe work procedures, and individuals' failure to follow procedures due to ignorance or disregard for safety.
The Ministry of Manpower has increased targeted enforcement on machinery safety, including inspections of machine guards and company procedures, and is enhancing engagement efforts with tripartite partners through solutioning sessions, seminars, and dissemination of safety materials such as videos, guidelines, and posters.

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11 Sep 2017

Number of Slip and Fall Workplace Accidents in Kitchens and Food Preparation Areas

Melvin Yong asked about the number of slip and fall accidents in kitchens over two years and whether workplace safety training would be added to food hygiene courses.
There were 96 cases in 2015 and 92 in 2016, with one fatality and minor injuries in the rest, making up about 3% of all workplace slips and falls in Singapore.
The Workplace Safety and Health Council is collaborating to include kitchen safety topics in revised food hygiene courses by year-end, alongside educational materials to reduce such accidents.

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11 Sep 2017

Parents' Sick Leave Entitlement for Childcare

Mr Louis Ng asked if parents could use their own paid sick leave to care for sick children, especially for premature, multiple births, or babies with congenital illnesses.
The Government is committed to supporting parents but noted that using sick leave for childcare might leave parents insufficient leave for their own illnesses and could increase costs and affect employability.
The Government will consider better support for parents with greater caregiving needs, including those with pre-term, multiple births, or congenital illness, alongside existing enhanced parental leave provisions.

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1 Aug 2017

Shortage of Local Doctors in Singapore

Foo Mee Har raised questions about a potential shortage of local doctors, asking how the Ministry is helping students, young doctors, and the public understand medical career prospects and Singapore’s reliance on foreign doctors.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated there is no shortage, with 84% of 13,000 registered doctors being local, and outlined plans to increase local medical intakes from 354 in 2012 to 500 by 2018.
The Ministry is attracting overseas-trained Singaporean doctors back with grants and incentives, resulting in a doubling of returning doctors from 92 in 2012 to 182 in 2016.
While foreign doctors supplement the workforce, the Ministry expects reduced future recruitment as more Singaporeans join, and is raising awareness of shifting demands toward generalist disciplines like Family Medicine and Geriatrics.

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1 Aug 2017

Decline in Average Weekly Paid Overtime Hours Worked Per Employee

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan inquired about the reasons for the decline in average weekly paid overtime hours and whether the downward trend will continue.
Lim Swee Say explained that the drop from 3.7 to 3.3 hours from 2011 to 2016 was driven by reductions in sectors like Manufacturing, Administrative Support, and Transportation.
The decline is attributed to productivity improvements, tripartite efforts to limit excessive overtime, and economic shifts increasing the proportion of managers and executives not eligible for paid overtime.
This trend aligns with a general reduction in average weekly hours worked, even as real median income grew by 3.1% annually during the period.

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1 Aug 2017

Publication of Information Forecasting Major Supply-Demand Mismatch in Specific Job Categories

Mr Pritam Singh asked if the government will publish forecasts of major supply-demand mismatches in specific job categories alongside Industry Transformation Roadmaps.
The government uses Industry Transformation Maps and Skills Frameworks to identify new skills and minimize mismatches, with these resources being released progressively.
Initiatives like Adapt and Grow, career matching services, and the transformation of the National Jobs Bank aim to provide timely information and support to jobseekers.
Enhanced efforts include proactive outreach to retrenched workers and mandatory retrenchment notifications to facilitate quicker re-employment and training.

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1 Aug 2017

Loss of Earnings by Taxi Drivers from Violent or Drunken Passengers

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan queried the number of taxi drivers who suffered earnings loss from violent or drunken passengers in the last 24 months, whether they could decline such passengers, and if guidelines exist for claiming compensation.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA and taxi companies do not track the specific number of drivers affected by such incidents.
He confirmed that taxi drivers are permitted to decline passengers who are unreasonable, abusive, or show signs of violence.
He noted that drivers experiencing losses can seek assistance from their taxi companies for compensation.

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1 Aug 2017

Career Counselling for Polytechnic Students

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned whether polytechnic students receive adequate information about the diverse career options available in Singapore.
The Minister outlined a structured ECG curriculum, supported by counsellors and resources like labour market data and the upcoming MySkillsFuture portal.
Polytechnics organize career fairs, company visits, and talks to keep students informed about industry trends and job requirements.
Internships and mentorships provide hands-on experience, helping students develop skills and clarify their career preferences.
The combination of curriculum, events, and practical opportunities ensures students are well-equipped to explore and pursue various career paths.

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1 Aug 2017

Human Resource Industry's Role in Helping Jobseekers

Liang Eng Hwa asked how the HR industry can better assist local jobseekers, new entrants, and re-entrants in the job market to minimize labour market mismatches during economic growth.
Lim Swee Say emphasized the need for a mindset shift from viewing workers as disposable commodities to valuable assets, promoting a "grower" mentality over a "hunter" one.
The debate highlighted a shift from qualifications-based hiring to skills-based recruitment, using competency assessments and work trials to better match candidates to jobs.
It called for promoting inclusive workplaces through fair consideration and progressive practices to tap a wider talent pool and improve business performance.
Efforts like the IHRP Certification and Professional Conversion Programmes were noted to strengthen HR capabilities and help minimize job market mismatches.

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1 Aug 2017

Paid Annual Home Leave for Foreign Domestic Workers

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the Ministry of Manpower would consider making paid annual home leave mandatory for foreign domestic workers (FDWs).
The Ministry responded that home leave arrangements are mutually agreed upon between FDWs and employers, with 56% of FDWs reportedly receiving such leave either annually or upon work pass renewal.
The Ministry highlighted practical challenges, such as households having only one FDW and the need for alternative care arrangements, and noted that some FDWs might prefer higher pay instead of leave.
The current approach emphasizes flexibility, allowing both parties to agree on leave terms within employment contracts, while employers are expected to ensure FDWs' well-being.
The Ministry and NGOs actively reach out to FDWs to monitor their well-being and adjustment to working in Singapore.

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1 Aug 2017

Percentage of Pro-family and Pro-breast-feeding Companies

Minister Lim Swee Say highlighted a significant rise in companies offering formal flexible working arrangements (FWAs) and noted that 60% of working mothers now have access to private lactation rooms, supported by government grants like the WorkPro Work-Life Grant.
The Health Promotion Board conducts training to help managers recognize mental health issues, including depression in new mothers, to enable better emotive support in the workplace.
Tripartite partners are learning from international best practices, exemplified by initiatives like the Returner Work Trial and the development of a Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements to help employees identify supportive companies.

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1 Aug 2017

Instructions on Safe Use of Personal Mobility Devices

Dennis Tan inquired how the Ministry of Manpower ensures employers instruct, monitor, and insure employees using bicycles or PMDs for work, covering safety rules, compliance systems, and insurance for injuries or third-party claims.
Lim Swee Say responded that the Workplace Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide safety measures, training, and supervision for PMD users, with guidelines from the WSH Council and upcoming new guidelines in collaboration with the Land Transport Authority.
The Ministry inspects high-risk companies like food delivery services, issuing notices for non-compliance, and employees injured at work are covered under the Work Injury Compensation Act, with investigations for third-party claims.

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1 Aug 2017

Extending Parental Leave

Mr. Louis Ng shared his personal experience with preterm twins, highlighting the extreme stress and need for more parental leave to care for babies in the NICU and for multiple births, noting that existing leave is insufficient and many parents struggle without extended support.
The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by parents of preterm or multiple babies, recognized the emotional and practical difficulties, and noted the government is testing extended unpaid leave for public sector employees while balancing employer concerns and manpower needs.
The Minister emphasized current support measures like paid parental leave, Baby Bonus, and healthcare grants, encouraged employers to offer flexible work arrangements and additional unpaid leave, and committed to studying Mr. Ng’s suggestions for future policy enhancements.

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