Legislation 'marks significant step in Singapore employment law'
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore has announced it has accepted the final set of recommendations by the Tripartite Committee on Workplace Fairness for the Workplace Fairness Legislation (WFL).
The Tripartite Committee had released its interim report in February 2023, which broadly outlined its key recommendations for the WFL, after consultation and engagement with employers, employees and the HR community.
The legislation “marks a significant step in Singapore employment law, and it will be scoped to achieve three wins: preserve harmonious workplaces, better protect workers, and support business growth in Singapore,” said Minister for Manpower, Dr Tan See Leng.
“From surveys, engagements and complaints, we know the common forms of discrimination experienced in Singapore. The WFL will prohibit these common forms of discrimination – including age, sex, family status, race, nationality, and mental health. Our approach places emphasis on giving redress to the worker who experienced discrimination while preserving workplace harmony and relationships.”
The new legislation is meant to benefit both employees and employers in several ways, said the government:
- “WFL will strengthen protections against discrimination and provide assurance to workers that they can come forward to report without fear of retaliation. WFL will also ensure that employees and jobseekers have fair access to job opportunities.”
- “Fair employers will benefit from a more productive and engaged workforce, a more harmonious workplace, and be better able to attract and retain talent, contributing to stronger business outcomes.”
- “WFL will shape positive workplace norms and strengthen social cohesion by addressing unfair treatment at workplaces. This is especially important in a multi-racial, multi-religious society, and a diverse workforce.”
The government said it would work closely with Tripartite Partners to implement the recommendations in 2024.
