Singapore Labour Law Changes to cover more

Changes are being proposed to the Employment Act that will, among other things, bring more Singaporeans under its protective umbrella.

The Act now covers about 1.4 million workers and was last reviewed in 1995. But since then, the proportion of those in the ranks of professionals, managers, executives and technicians, as well as the number of contract and services industry workers have grown.

The National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers Federation have been consulted; from now until Sept 22, the public can give its feedback. Today covers some of the key changes.

TO BE COVERED

Confidential staff such as accounts assistants, HR clerks and secretaries, two-thirds of whom earn less than national median gross monthly income.

Junior managers and executives with basic monthly wage of $2,500 or less to get salary payment protection.

Non-workmen employees’ wage ceiling raised from $1,600 to $2,000; wage threshold for workmen set at $4,500, under Part IV (which entitles them to statutory benefits such as overtime pay).

BENEFITS

Paid public holiday and sick leave entitlements extended to all employees covered under the Act.

Qualifying period for paid sick leave shortened to three months (pro-rated from fourth to sixth month).

MCs from public medical institutions recognised.

Part-time employees redefined as those who work 35 (instead of 30) contractual hours or less a week.

PENALTIES

Increased by five times (eg $5,000 for first-time offenders): Maximum financial penalties and composition amount.

WEBTURN: @ www.reach.gov.sg

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