Firms identifying as platform operators can begin notifying MOM in November

Companies in Singapore that identify as a platform operator can begin notifying the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) starting on November 1, as the government commences parts of the Platform Workers Bill ahead of its 2025 implementation.

MOM said it will provide a self-assessment checklist on its website to help companies determine if they are platform operators before they notify MOM.

"From 1 November 2024, companies that self-assess to be a Platform Operator can voluntarily notify MOM of their status through an online form on MOM website," the ministry said in a media release. "Companies that notify MOM before 1 January 2025 do not need to notify MOM again after the Platform Workers Act takes effect on 1 January 2025."

The platform operator self-assessment and notification are just some of the various parts of the Platform Workers Bill that will be implemented before it fully takes effect on January 1, 2025.

Opting in for increased CPF contributions

Also starting in November, platform workers born before 1995 can choose to take part in the increased Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, according to MOM.

"Platform Workers who wish to opt in can do so via the CPF website anytime from 1 November 2024. There is no deadline to opt in and the decision cannot be reversed," MOM said.

According to MOM, platform workers should opt in early for a longer runway to benefit from compounding interest and boost their CPF savings, which can be used for housing and retirement needs. They can use the Platform Worker CPF Contribution Calculator before signing up to estimate their monthly CPF contributions.

"Lower-income Platform Workers who opt in to increased CPF contributions can receive the enhanced Platform Workers CPF Transition Support (PCTS) to offset 100% of their share of increase in CPF Ordinary and Special Account contributions in 2025," MOM said.

"Platform Workers need not apply for PCTS as their eligibility will be assessed automatically."

Those who do not opt in to the CPF contributions will continue to be required to make CPF MediSave contributions and will not receive the Platform Operators' share of CPF contributions, MOM added.

Applying for Platform Work Associations

Meanwhile, MOM said applicants can also begin submitting their applications to register for the Platform Work Associations for assessment.

Registered Platform Work Associations can start seeking recognition starting in January 2025 to represent platform workers through collective bargaining, conciliation, and arbitration.

Platform Workers Bill implementation

These parts of the Platform Workers Bill will commence ahead of the new legislation, which aims to provide stronger protections to platform workers through:

• Adequate financial protection in case of work injury
• Improved housing and retirement adequacy
• Enhanced representation

Currently, platform operators in Singapore can now purchase Work Injury Compensation (WIC) insurance for their platform workers from five designated insurers.

Insurers that are also interested in offering WIC insurance for Platform Workers can apply to MOM, according to the ministry.