All foreign employees have to possess a valid work pass before being employed in Singapore. It is customary that the holder of the work pass is only permitted to work for the specified employer and in a specified occupation. There are various types of passes: Work Permit, Employment Pass, EntrePass, S Pass, Personalized Employment Pass, […]
Dec
17
2013
Employee Representation in Singapore
Industrial action is permitted, however before any form of action is taken, the majority of members affected must have agreed to it by means of a secret ballot. Strike action is prohibited for the three essential services of water, gas and electricity. For other essential services, a strike is prohibited unless 14 days prior notice […]
Dec
17
2013
Employee Rights When an Undertaking is Transferred in Singapore
Under the Act, where a business or part thereof is transferred from the transferor to the transferee, Section 18A automatically operates to novate the contracts of employment of all of the EA Employees to the transferee. Section 18A applies where there is a sale of business on a going concern basis, and not where there […]
Dec
17
2013
Employers Associations and Trade Unions in Singapore
The Trade Unions Act (Cap 333) defines a trade union as an association of workers or employers that aims to regulate relations between workers and employers. The objectives of a trade union are stated as being to promote good industrial relations; to improve workers’ working conditions; to enhance the economic and social status of workers; […]
Dec
17
2013
Employment Contracts in Singapore
1. Minimum requirements The standard type of employment contract in Singapore is an “open-ended” contract terminable on notice (subject to the protection which the law provides on unfair dismissal). A contract of employment need not be in writing and may be partly written and partly oral. An employment contract should as a minimum include the […]
Dec
17
2013
Social Security in Singapore
1. Legal Framework The Central Provident Fund (“CPF”) is primarily the bedrock of Singapore’s social security framework. 2. Contributions In Singapore, CPF is a compulsory comprehensive savings plan for working Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents primarily to fund their retirement, healthcare and housing needs. All employees eligible for CPF and their employers make monthly contributions […]
Dec
17
2013
Termination of Employment Contracts in Singapore
1. Individual dismissals There are several ways in which a contract may be terminated. These include: Notice being given by either the employer or the employee. Mutual agreement. Expiry of a fixed-term contract. A fixed-term contract automatically terminates at the end of the fixed-term without the need for notice. Termination by the employer for cause […]
Dec
17
2013
Working Conditions in Singapore
1. Minimum working conditions Singapore generally adopts a national, strategic and long term approach to achieve sustainable, continuous improvement in workplace safety and health conditions. The Ministry of Manpower emphasizes the need in instilling a culture of safety and health in all workplaces, and has always reinforced the message that poor safety management could lead […]