Employers and HR, have your say

If you would like to see changes made in the Employment Act (EA), now is the time to share your views as the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is inviting feedback on review of Singapore’s main labour law.
MOM says that such a move will help the Act remain relevant and balance the interests of both employers and workers.

In a report by Channel News Asia, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said: "The character of our labour force is changing, with more Professional, Managers and Executives (PMEs) in our workforce. Today, PMEs form about 32% of our resident workforce, up from 27% in 2001. This will only grow.

"Thus, while the EA has been effective in safeguarding the rights and interests of workers, there is a need to ensure the EA remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the changing workforce."
The review will be conducted in two phases.

Phase 1 of the review (Q2 2012 - Q1 2013) will look at extending coverage of the EA, improving employment standards and benefits for employees, and reducing rigidity and augmenting flexibility for employers.

Phase 2 of the review will commence in the fourth quarter of 2013.

That will examine more complicated issues, including but not limited to enhancing protection for employees in non-traditional work arrangements – such as contract work, self-employment and outsourcing – and creating better mechanisms to facilitate employment dispute resolution between employers and employees.

MOM is now seeking feedback on the areas being considered under Phase 1 of the EA review. From now to January 11, 2013, members of the public can give their feedback.