Employment & labour — Topics

12 Aug 2013

Dependency Ratio Ceilings for New Growth Industries

The Ministry provides limited flexibility on dependency ratio ceilings for new growth industries, but only on an exceptional basis to address temporary skills gaps, and applies strict criteria tied to high productivity and value add.
Various government schemes, such as the Singapore-Industry Scholarship and the Development and Apprenticeship Programme, are in place to promote skills transfer and groom local talent for leadership roles in key sectors.
The Ministry has tightened criteria for Employment Pass and S Pass applications to reduce reliance on foreign talents, resulting in a decline in Employment Pass numbers in 2012, with further measures to ensure fair consideration for Singaporeans to be announced later.

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12 Aug 2013

Jobs for Singaporeans

Members of Parliament raised concerns about ensuring fair consideration for Singaporeans in hiring, including extending dependency ratio ceilings to Employment Pass holders, reviewing the Employment Pass framework, and introducing labour market testing to prioritize local talent.
The Acting Minister for Manpower emphasized the need to balance protecting Singaporean core workforce interests with maintaining competitiveness, citing international consultations, public feedback, and industry discussions that highlight the risks of overly rigid policies and the importance of merit-based hiring.
The Ministry is working on a framework to reinforce responsible hiring practices without being overly prescriptive, aiming to level the playing field while encouraging Singaporeans to upgrade their skills to meet job demands and support economic growth.

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9 Jul 2013

Benefits and Allowances for Non-Singaporean Academic Staff at Universities

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Education about the basic benefits and allowances for non-Singaporean academic staff in Autonomous Universities and Polytechnics, and the cost of these over the past decade.
Heng Swee Keat explained that remuneration packages are individually negotiated based on competitiveness, seniority, and circumstances, with benefits like relocation allowances, housing subsidies, gratuity payments in lieu of CPF, and children education allowances tailored to non-Singaporean faculty needs.
The response noted that specific benefit amounts are not disclosed separately as they are part of total remuneration packages, and measures vary across institutions to address different hiring needs.

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8 Jul 2013

Resident Workers Drawing Basic Monthly Salary of $1,000 or Less in 2011 and 2012

In 2011 and 2012, about 160,000 and 151,000 full-time resident employees, respectively, earned $1,000 or less in basic monthly salary, representing 11% and 10% of such employees, with average salaries around $770.
Nearly six in ten private establishments had given or decided to give wage increases to low-wage workers by December 2012, following the NWC's $50 recommendation, with 30% providing at least a $50 built-in increase.
The Ministry lacks exact occupational breakdowns for the pay raise recipients, but surveys indicated higher adoption in real estate services, professional services, and manufacturing (60-70%), and lower in construction and transportation/storage (about 39-40%).

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8 Jul 2013

Measures by Employers to Ensure Health and Safety of Employees Exposed to Higher Risks Due to Haze

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) focused on providing clear guidelines and working with the Workplace Safety and Health Council to educate employers and employees on mitigating haze risks.
MOM established a framework to assist small and medium enterprises with N95 mask shortages and collaborated with tripartite partners to adjust work arrangements to minimize employees' exposure to the haze.
Enforcement was primarily handled through feedback channels, with 98 complaints received and resolved; MOM warned that it will take action against employers who blatantly disregard worker safety.
The debate did not provide specific figures on workplace inspections, stop-work orders issued, breaches of such orders, or prosecution plans, as the focus was on guidance and assistance over the short term.

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8 Jul 2013

Gross Monthly Wage of Total Working Population in Singapore from 1980 to 2011

Mrs Lina Chiam asked for annual gross monthly wage data for the total working population (including Citizens, Permanent Residents, and foreigners) from 1980 to 2011 and a yearly comparison with Singapore Citizens' wages.
The Acting Minister for Manpower stated that comparable data on gross monthly income from work is only available from 1996 onwards and only for residents (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents), as detailed in a table on page 157.
The Minister explained that the median gross monthly income for residents is typically higher than for Singapore Citizens alone due to Permanent Residents generally needing to demonstrate good employability before being granted residency.

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8 Jul 2013

Sectoral Median Monthly Wages and Wage Shares vis-a-vis Those in Developed Economies

Singapore's wage share of GDP averaged 41.5% from 2007 to 2011, lower than most developed economies which were typically at 50% or more, while its real median income was higher than Germany and the UK but lower than the US.
In the biomedical, general manufacturing, and accommodation and food services sectors, Singapore's average wages and wage shares were comparable or lower than developed economies, with no comparable data for the biomedical cluster.
Singapore's labour productivity growth from 2007 to 2011 was slower than many developed economies but outpaced them over 2002–2011, while median wage growth was faster than in most developed economies during 2007–2011.

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8 Jul 2013

Update on Review of Section 328(2) of the Companies Act on Workers' Salary Claim Limits

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked for an update on reviewing Section 328(2) of the Companies Act to raise the salary claim limit for workers from insolvent companies in line with rising median salaries.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam stated the current cap is five months’ salary or $7,500, whichever is lower, and that the review aims to balance employee and creditor rights while considering international practices.
The Ministry of Finance will consult tripartite partners and seek public feedback on proposed changes to the section by September this year.

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8 Jul 2013

Decline in Singapore's Economic Competitiveness Ranking

Seah Kian Peng questioned the Ministry for Trade and Industry on steps to arrest Singapore’s decline in the 2013 IMD World Competitiveness ranking and safeguard economic growth, job creation, and wage growth for Singaporeans.
Lim Hng Kiang explained that Singapore dropped one spot to fifth due to weaker performance in Economic Performance and Business Efficiency, driven by low GDP growth, rising unit labour costs, and perceptions of skilled labour scarcity amid a tight labour market.
Despite the ranking fall, Singapore remains attractive for business, with strong institutional rankings, high investor interest, and increased job creation for Singaporeans in 2012.
The government will continue restructuring the economy towards productivity-driven growth, committing funds from the National Productivity Fund and introducing the Quality Growth Programme, including a $5.3 billion Transition Support Package, to help companies upgrade and manage costs.

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8 Jul 2013

Encouraging Companies to Adopt Recommended Pay Increment for Low-Wage Workers

The Ministry of Manpower is working with tripartite partners to promote the adoption of the National Wage Council's recommendation for a $60 monthly wage increase for workers earning below $1,000.
In the previous year, 30% of employers gave at least $50 in wage increases to these low-wage workers, which was seen as a positive start, and efforts are underway to encourage more employers to follow the full recommendation this year.
The government, as the largest employer, has committed to providing additional wage increases for lower-grade civil servants and will include wage compliance as a consideration in government tenders to encourage contractors to adopt good wage practices.

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8 Jul 2013

Employment of Persons with Disabilities

Tin Pei Ling asked about the number of pledges made by employers under the "We are Able!" campaign, how many specifically commit to employing persons with disabilities, and what plans exist to encourage more such pledges.
Chan Chun Sing reported that as of 2 July, 466 pledges were collected, with 40 focused on supporting employment for persons with disabilities, and affirmed ongoing efforts to promote inclusive employment.
The Ministry will continue collaborating with disability sectors and employers, with SG Enable launching this quarter to enhance employment opportunities through partnerships with education, training, and welfare organizations.
Additional actions under the Enabling Masterplan include reviewing and expanding schemes to facilitate employment for persons with disabilities.

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8 Jul 2013

Ensuring Workers' Well-being during Occurrence of Haze

The Ministry of Manpower has issued guidelines and daily advisories based on the PSI, engaged industry bodies, and set up a framework to help SMEs procure N95 masks while working with tripartite partners to adjust work arrangements and provide haze safety education in workers' native languages.
Employers are expected to conduct their own risk assessments and implement measures to minimize outdoor exposure, with many companies proactively stopping work during high PSI levels and adjusting work arrangements, as supported by a Workplace Safety and Health Council survey.
The government is leading by example, with public sector agencies following national health advisories and taking precautionary measures for officers undertaking outdoor work.
Employers found failing to safeguard workers can face fines of up to $10,000 for a first offence and up to $20,000 or imprisonment for subsequent offences, while employees can raise concerns with employers or the Ministry for investigation.

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13 May 2013

Foreign Worker Quota for the Construction Sector

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked if the foreign worker quota for construction projects should be based on the year the project is awarded rather than the year it starts.
The government has progressively reduced the Man-Year Entitlement (MYE) since 2010 to promote productivity-led growth, with reductions applying only to applications lodged after each cut to encourage quicker industry response.
The quota changes were phased over four years, and the Dependency Ratio Ceiling was not reduced to ensure completion of key infrastructure projects, while supporting the sector’s transformation through assistance schemes and technology adoption.

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13 May 2013

Career Guidance Programmes for Students

Ellen Lee urged the Ministry of Education to enhance career guidance programmes with more creativity and emphasis due to the rapid replacement of traditional industries by new ones.
Heng Swee Keat highlighted that students will face multiple job changes in their lifetime and that the MOE's Education and Career Guidance curriculum prepares them with mindsets and skills for a complex work environment.
The revised ECG curriculum, starting in 2014, teaches Secondary school students about career sectors, job evolution, and lifelong learning, supported by updated labour market information from Career Coordinators.
Schools supplement ECG lessons with career fairs, industry visits, work attachments, and counsellor support, while an online ECG portal helps students explore careers based on their strengths and interests.

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13 May 2013

Publication of Graduate Employment Survey

Ellen Lee inquired about the history, purpose, and assumptions of the Graduate Employment Survey (GES) regarding traditional employment sources for undergraduates.
The Ministry of Education has published GES data for Autonomous Universities since 2008 to help students make informed course choices and assess graduate employment outcomes.
GES provides stakeholders with information on starting salaries and employment rates but should not be the sole criterion for students selecting courses.
MOE emphasizes that students should consider their interests, abilities, and aspirations holistically when choosing courses, beyond immediate employment data.
The GES serves as a reference for career options while acknowledging that traditional employment assumptions may need broader contextual evaluation.

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13 May 2013

Specialist Diploma Programmes Offered by Polytechnics and Industry Feedback on Quality of Specialist Diploma Graduates

There are approximately 35 specialist diploma programmes offered across the polytechnics, with about 1,500 places taken up in the academic year 2012; a recent survey found that around six in ten graduates are employed in fields related to their course of study, with those not in relevant roles citing better career prospects in other fields or personal development as reasons.
Industry feedback from a recent employer survey is positive, with nine in ten employers reporting that graduates from such programmes are more effective at work and handle duties beyond technical areas, and over nine in ten noting increased employee motivation after course completion.
Polytechnics collaborate with industry partners, employers, and government agencies to develop and refine course curricula, using feedback from advisory committees to ensure programmes remain aligned with industry needs and employer expectations.
Academic staff for specialist diploma programmes are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree, with many holding post-graduate qualifications, and are assessed based on relevant work experience, teaching passion, and curriculum design experience.
Polytechnics conduct annual appraisals of academic staff, considering classroom observations, student feedback, staff contributions to research and course materials, and overall impact on student outcomes to maintain teaching excellence.

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13 May 2013

Projected Increase in Number of Medical Officers

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked about the expected increase of 20,000 healthcare professionals by 2020, specifically the number of medical officers and projected increase in temporary medical officers in public healthcare.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that out of the 20,000 new healthcare professionals from 2011 to 2020, about 3,600 will be doctor positions, filled mainly by local graduates and returning Singaporean doctors.
Local medical schools will increase output to 500 graduates in the long term, and 92 overseas-trained Singaporean doctors returned in 2012, with efforts ongoing to attract more.
Remaining demand will be met by overseas-trained foreign doctors, some on temporary registration to address immediate clinical needs.

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13 May 2013

Senior Citizens Performing Physically Demanding Jobs

Tan Su Shan inquired about the number of seniors aged 60 and above in physically demanding manual jobs and whether there are plans to redeploy them to less taxing service-oriented roles.
The Ministry of Manpower explained that it does not categorize jobs by physical demand due to variability, and noted that 45% of older workers are in occupations that may be more physically demanding, often linked to lower educational levels.
The Ministry emphasized tailoring job placement assistance to individual capabilities and preferences, rather than active redeployment, and highlighted support for job redesign and flexible work arrangements through initiatives like WorkPro.

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13 May 2013

Investigation and Enforcement Powers for Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices

Member of Parliament Tan Su Shan asked whether the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) could be given investigation and enforcement powers, and if free consultation could be provided to employees on workplace discrimination cases.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin responded that TAFEP was established as a promotional body and has made progress in raising awareness and increasing employer pledges for fair employment practices.
He noted that employees can already contact TAFEP for free advice, and TAFEP follows up with employers on possible discrimination cases, with most cooperating to rectify issues.
The Minister emphasized that while TAFEP does not have enforcement powers, the Ministry of Manpower will investigate complaints with prima facie evidence and may curtail foreign work pass privileges for non-compliant employers.
The Government expects all employers in Singapore to comply with the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices.

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13 May 2013

Part-time Workers Seeking Flexible Work

The Government already supports SMEs through sector-specific part-time worker pool programs, such as those in Retail, Food Services, and Hotels, which involve industry associations in training and deployment.
WorkPro has been launched to assist employers in implementing flexible work arrangements, including funding support up to $160,000 per company to help attract and retain employees.
SMEs are expected to comprise 70% of the companies benefiting from WorkPro, addressing challenges they face in adopting flexible work models.

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