MOM to 'redouble efforts' for fair, inclusive, safe workplaces

The Ministry of Manpower has pledged to "redouble its efforts" in promoting fair, inclusive, and safe workplaces as part of its plans to address the uncertainties surrounding the labour market as Singapore emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"MOM will continue to foster fair, inclusive, and safe workplaces, shape workplace norms, and ensure an even playing field for all," MOM said in a statement.

According to MOM, employers must pay more attention to fair consideration when it comes to hiring.

"We will require employers, by law, to advertise jobs on MyCareersFuture and fairly consider all candidates, before applying for an EP or S Pass," the ministry said in its remarks.

Fairness, flexibility, safety

The workplace fairness legislation, which was recently opened for consultation, will also be enacted soon to provide stronger protection against workplace discrimination, according to MOM.

As flexibility becomes more demanded among the workforce, MOM said it will continue to "shape the right norms" to make Singapore's workplaces more flexible.

"By 2024, we will introduce Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) to help employers and employees adopt FWAs in a win-win manner," the ministry said.

Singapore has been dubbed as the "champion" of hybrid work in the Asia-Pacific region, thanks to its efforts in helping employers embrace flexible work arrangements.

In terms of safety, MOM reiterated its commitment to reduce workplace fatal injury rate to below one per 100,000 workers by 2028.

This comes as Singapore registered a slight uptick in workplace fatalities in 2022, recording a 1.3 incidence rate per 100,000 employees. A Heightened Safety Period was implemented last year to cut down on such cases.

Bigger plans

MOM's pledge is part of its bigger plans in addressing the economic and geopolitical uncertainties faced by the country as it recovers from the pandemic.

MOM also said it will professionalise skilled trades by working with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to attract and retain skilled trades through "better salaries and clearer progression ladders."

"MOM also aims to build up a stronger local pipeline for corporate leadership positions. We want to see more Singaporeans becoming specialists and leaders in their chosen fields of our economy and growing their careers in Singapore and on the global stage," the ministry said.

The government said it will also be launching a new feature on its MyCareersFuture portal to help workers plan for their next career move using AI, as well as displaced workers in their job search.

It also vowed to "invest heavily" to uplift the salaries of lower-wage workers and help them progress their careers.

The government recently made efforts to support employees who are vulnerable to systemic challenges, such as platform workers, who recently provided with work injury compensation and Central Provident Fund contributions.

MOM's recent statement came as Singapore President Halimah Yacob opened the second session of the 14th Parliament with a call to rethink its approach to education and work, Today Online reported.