Top HR stories and insights and MOM Latest News for April 2023

WFH Legislation and More Annual Leave Pushed in Singapore

To establish better support for enhancing employees' work-life balance in Singapore, a member of Parliament (MP) is calling for the legislation of work from home (WFH) and hiking annual leave entitlements for workers.

Firms Screening EP Applicants to Have At Least 3 Years' Experience

Companies that want to screen Employment Pass (EP) applications must meet certain requirements from Sept 1, including having at least three years of experience in carrying out authenticity checks on educational qualifications as well as accreditation checks on educational institutions.

The ministry will accept verification proof obtained from online portals of other countries' governments or educational institutions. They're also studying the feasibility of other verification avenues such as digital certificates.

Employees in Singapore Expecting a Pay Rise in 2023

Based on a recent survey, most employes in Singapore said they would not accept a new job offer if it did not offer a significant salary increase, even if they are worried about losing their jobs because of the economic instability.

The survey also showed that most employees have strong confidence in their employers to provide job security.

For organisations with limited resources and budget, it is highly encouraged to offer greater work flexibility or alternative benefits to appease employees.

Uplifting Wages: How is Government Helping Employers?

MOM has reiterated that it has a credit scheme that will assist employers who are struggling to uplift salaries following the implementation of the Progressive Wage Model across various sectors.

The government mentioned that it is doing its part to offset increases in labour costs through the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS). Under the scheme, the government will fund up to 75% of wage increases that employers provide to lower-wage workers for five years from 2022 to 2026.

It is also stated that the wage schedules for affected sectors by the PWM were announced ahead of time to provide clarity and allow renegotiations among parties involved.

MOM to 'Redouble Efforts' for Fair, Inclusive, Safe Workplaces

MOM has pledged to continue to foster fair, inclusive, and safe workplaces, shape workplace norms, and ensure an even playing field for all, as part of its plans to address the uncertainties surrounding the labour market as Singapore emerges from the pandemic.

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

The ministry will require employers, by law, to advertise jobs on MyCareersFuture and fairly consider all candidates, before applying for an EP or S Pass.