Employment & labour — Topics

21 Oct 2013

Linking Private and Public Sectors' Job Databases

Teo Siong Seng asked if the Ministry would link the WDA jobs bank with other private job portals for better efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Acting Minister Tan Chuan-Jin explained that the Fair Consideration Framework requires companies to advertise on the WDA jobs bank to encourage better HR practices and improve job matching for locals, and that the Ministry is open to collaborating with private job portals.
Patrick Tay asked whether the national jobs bank is open to all or limited to Singaporean PMEs, and the Minister clarified that while the portal will be visible to all, online applications will be restricted to locals only.

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21 Oct 2013

Update on Fair Consideration Framework

The Acting Minister for Manpower explained that the Fair Consideration Framework aims to ensure fair hiring practices for Singaporeans while maintaining economic competitiveness, with exemptions from advertising requirements for small firms (25 or fewer employees), high-wage jobs (above $12,000), and rank-and-file roles, though all firms must still fairly consider Singaporeans.
MOM will scrutinize firms with low proportions of Singaporean PMEs, consider industry comparisons and trends, and investigate complaints about unfair HR practices, which could lead to additional scrutiny on work pass applications or curtailment of privileges.
The Minister noted that the framework is not about setting fixed targets for local hiring due to varying industry needs, but rather to signal expectations and monitor practices, while also drawing lessons from other countries and adapting measures to Singapore’s context.

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16 Sep 2013

Maternity-related Disputes and Complaints

From 2008 to June 2013, the Ministry of Manpower received 617 maternity-related claims and appeals, with most resolved through mediation and a small number referred to the Minister for a decision.
About half of the cases referred to the Minister were decided in favor of the employee, but no reinstatements were ordered; compensation was provided instead, as employees often preferred not to continue with the same employer.
The Ministry enhanced maternity protection from May 2013 to cover the full pregnancy period, making employers liable for full maternity benefits if they dismiss pregnant employees without sufficient cause.
The majority of disputes involved complex issues beyond straightforward unfair treatment, often linked to alleged poor performance or misconduct by the employee.
The Ministry continues to ensure legal protections against unfair dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave, with mediation remaining the primary resolution method.

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16 Sep 2013

Special Employment Credit Scheme

Employers benefiting from the Special Employment Credit scheme span industries including wholesale and retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and social services, with wholesale and retail forming the largest group.
Senior workers employed through the scheme are primarily cleaners, labourers, service and sales workers, as well as clerical support workers and plant or machine operators.
Over 90% of workers who benefited from the scheme in the first half of 2012 remained in employment one year later, and more than 85% continued in the same industry.

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16 Sep 2013

Breakdown of Salary and CPF Contribution by Percentile and Nationality

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked for a breakdown of basic and gross salaries for Singaporeans, permanent residents, and foreigners at various percentiles in 2011 and 2012.
Tan Chuan-Jin provided data on gross monthly income for residents and Singapore Citizens at the 50th to 80th percentiles for the same years.
The response noted that comparable data for foreigners and salary breakdowns including/excluding employer CPF contributions were not available.

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16 Sep 2013

Breakdown of Professionals, Managers and Executives by Nationality and Industry/Sector

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked for a breakdown of Singaporean, Permanent Resident, and foreign Professionals, Managers, and Executives by industry from 2011 to 2012, including Manufacturing, Construction, Services, Banking & Finance, and IT & Communications.
Tan Chuan-Jin responded that the breakdown by broad industries is provided in a table on page 144.
The response directly addresses the query by referring to a specific table without providing the detailed data in the speech.

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16 Sep 2013

Re-employment of Retired or Retiring Educators at NUS Medical School

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about platforms for re-employing retired educators from NUS Medical School to support increasing student numbers and requested data on retirement rates and post-retirement service.
Heng Swee Keat explained that educators at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School can be re-appointed full-time, part-time, or as adjunct staff after age 65.
Between 2010 and 2012, only two of 24 teaching staff retired upon reaching 65, with the rest continuing to serve in various capacities at the two medical schools.

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16 Sep 2013

New Growth Areas to Support the Singapore Economy

The Ministry of Trade and Industry conducts regular economy-wide and industry-level reviews to identify future growth areas, such as the 2011 Economic Strategies Committee report and current EDB initiatives in data analytics, biologics, and a Future of Manufacturing plan.
The government invests in Continuing Education and Training programs like STEP for professionals and Workfare Training Support for lower-wage workers to develop skills for new industries.
Economic agencies partner companies and educational institutions to create targeted training curricula, such as the STRAT programme, which has trained 485 locals since 2008 in emerging fields like cell therapy and nanotechnology.

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16 Sep 2013

Rest Areas in Commercial Buildings for Cleaners and Security Guards

Mary Liew asked the Ministry for National Development to consider requiring commercial properties to have dedicated enclosed rest areas for cleaners and security guards to ensure privacy during breaks.
Khaw Boon Wan referred to the 2012 Tripartite Advisory, which encourages responsible outsourcing and the provision of adequate workplace amenities like rest areas.
Relevant agencies including MND, MOM, MEWR, and MHA are open to studying whether to mandate rest areas in commercial properties for these workers.

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16 Sep 2013

Welfare of Car Park Attendants

Car park attendants paid by service providers engaged by the Ministry earn an average gross monthly salary between $1,300 and $1,800, based on work experience, qualification, and performance.
Over the past three years, 53 cases of abuse against car park attendants were reported, with abuse including threatening, verbal, or physical confrontations by motorists.
Of the 53 cases, 45 were reported to the Police, five were resolved on the scene, and three were not pursued by the attendants; among the 45 Police reports, 23 investigations are complete with three charged in court, while 22 remain under investigation.

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16 Sep 2013

Wage Increase Component for Low-Income Earners

Png Eng Huat inquired about the proportion of low-income workers earning $1,000 or less who received the $50 wage increase recommended by the National Wages Council in 2012.
Tan Chuan-Jin stated that six in ten private establishments gave or decided to give wage increases to workers earning up to $1,000.
Of these establishments, three in ten provided at least a $50 built-in wage increase to this group of workers.
Additionally, 35% of long-tenured full-time resident employees in this income bracket received built-in wage increases of at least $50.

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16 Sep 2013

Remuneration for Social Workers

Members of Parliament raised concerns about ensuring competitive and fair remuneration for all social service professionals, not just social workers, and sought updates on measures to increase the workforce and improve the profession's public image.
The Minister outlined multi-pronged efforts including expanding talent pipelines via scholarships and education partnerships, redesigning roles like Social Work Associates, and using market benchmarks to set competitive salaries, which led to an 8% median salary increase for professionals in funded organizations.
The Ministry emphasized a collective approach to benchmarking salaries against equivalent jobs in other sectors, with ongoing reviews to close pay gaps, particularly for mid-career and senior professionals, and highlighted investments in training and IT systems to improve efficiency and career progression.

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16 Sep 2013

Remuneration of Senior Management Staff at Town Councils

Mrs Lina Chiam asked about the average salary of the most senior management staff in Town Councils managed by MPs from the Government party.
The Senior Minister of State for National Development stated that his ministry does not regulate the employment terms of General Managers and does not collect data on their salaries.
Mrs Lina Chiam followed up by asking whether all General Managers or senior management officers are affiliated with a political party.
The Senior Minister of State responded that Town Councils typically appoint managing agents through open tender, and it is the selected agent who appoints their staff, which is done in the public interest.

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12 Aug 2013

Continuing Education and Training (CET) Programme

David Ong asked about the number of Singaporeans who have benefited from the national CET programme, whether there are finite training places annually, and how the Ministry prioritizes Singaporean workers.
The Ministry reported over 8,000 certifiable courses and supported close to 300,000 individuals in CET courses in 2012, with sufficient training places planned based on economic factors and stakeholder consultation.
Dedicated programmes like STEP for PMEs, the Workfare Training Support scheme for lower-wage workers, and the CET Qualification Award exclusively for Singaporeans ensure priority is given to local workers.
The Ministry is evolving the CET system through ongoing reviews and feedback from engagements like Our Singapore Conversation to better meet future workforce needs.

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12 Aug 2013

Establishment of Fund for Childcare Operators

Ang Hin Kee proposed a fund similar to Australia’s to help childcare operators raise wages and retain educators.
The Ministry highlighted existing initiatives like scholarships, professional pathways, and training frameworks to support educators.
The Early Childhood Development Agency is studying HR and pay practices to determine further steps on wages and retention.
The Ministry mentioned ongoing efforts including enhancing scholarships, structured mentoring, and collaboration with employers and unions.

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12 Aug 2013

Number of New Investments in Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry in Singapore achieved a record output of S$8.7 billion in 2012 and employed 19,900 people, with 80% being locals and 90% of jobs skilled.
Since the start of 2012, eight new aerospace facilities have opened and six more are under construction by major companies like Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce.
These 14 investments are projected to create over 1,500 new jobs in Singapore at steady state.

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12 Aug 2013

Singapore's Private Banking Sector

There are currently about 40 financial institutions offering private banking services in Singapore, which is recognized as a leading international centre for this sector.
The growth of Singapore's private banking sector is successful, supported by strong regulation, rule of law, political stability, a robust ecosystem of talent and capabilities, strategic location in Asia, and developed capital markets.
The sector employs about 9,000 people, with over two-thirds being Singapore citizens, creating quality jobs in management, client relations, risk management, compliance, and other functions, and efforts are ongoing to develop a strong Singapore core for sustainable growth.

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12 Aug 2013

Employment Conditions for Additional CPF Housing Grant

Png Eng Huat queried whether National Service counts toward the 12-month continuous employment requirement for the Additional CPF Housing Grant to assist NSmen in buying their first BTO flat.
Khaw Boon Wan stated the grant requires steady employment to ensure housing loan repayment capability, and National Service is not a salaried job so it does not meet the employment criteria.
MINDEF is exploring ways to further recognize the contributions of National Servicemen.

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12 Aug 2013

Help for PMEs Who were Unfairly Dismissed

The government will provide legal aid through the Legal Aid Bureau to PMEs who cannot afford to file a civil lawsuit, subject to a means test for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
PMEs who are union members in unionised companies can appeal to the Minister for Manpower for reinstatement if they believe they were unfairly dismissed.
The Employment Act will be extended to cover PMEs earning up to $4,500 per month, protecting them against unfair dismissal, with a one-year qualifying service period to allow employers flexibility.

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12 Aug 2013

Public Sector Employees Offered Re-employment

Chen Show Mao asked for data on public sector re-employment rates, salary adjustments, and whether NTUC findings warrant policy changes; Teo Chee Hean responded that re-employment offers increased from 76% in 2010 to 89% post-2011, with successful re-employment rising from 64% to 83%, and most re-employed officers had salaries adjusted by an average of 13%.
The government revised re-employment guidelines effective August 2013, requiring Division III and IV officers to be re-employed at the same grade with last drawn salaries, while Division I and II officers will see more re-employment at last drawn salaries and salary adjustments capped at 15%.
The Public Service aims to align re-employment practices with the Tripartite Guidelines and market standards, with ongoing reviews to ensure fair terms for older employees.

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