The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore is reviewing the Employment Act and inviting public feedback
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is reviewing the Employment Act (EA) and inviting public feedback for areas concerning high-earning professionals, as well as more vulnerable workers.
The ministry is also looking to streamline resolution services concerning dismissal-related claims.
MOM is seeking feedback on whether core provisions such as public holiday and sick leave entitlements, payment of salary and allowable deductions, and redress for wrongful dismissal should be extended to all employees.
According to the present EA, companies must cover all employees except managers and executives earning more than $4,500 per month.
As for more vulnerable employees, MOM is inviting views on whether additional protection should be provided for them and the “appropriate level” for their salary thresholds.
This group of employees includes white-collar workers, such as clerks and receptionists, earning up to $2,500 monthly, as well as employees who earn up to $4,500 doing work that involves manual labour.
In addition, the MOM is also looking for feedback on how to streamline the dispute resolution and dismissal-related claims process for employees and employers.
Currently under the EA, employees need to approach two different parties to resolve any issues pertaining to salary: the Employment Claims Tribunals handle statutory and contractual salary-related disputes, while MOM handles claims involving wrongful dismissal.
The MOM had last reviewed the EA in 2012, with amendments coming into effect in 2015.