A. Singapore Employment Act
The Employment Act is the main labour legislation governing employment relations in Singapore. It breaks down the rights, duties, and responsibilities of both employees and employers.
● This act covers all employees in Singapore, regardless of salary level, with some exceptions for managerial and executive roles, seafarers, domestic workers, and government staff.
● Employers are mandated to pay salaries to all employees at least once a month and within 7 days after the end of the salary period.
● The standard workweek is defined as not exceeding 44 hours. Exceeding that would require overtime pay.
● Employees are entitled to a rest day every week.
● Employees are entitled to public holidays and various leave entitlements such as annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and childcare leave.
B. Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA)
This legislation specifically governs the employment of foreign employees in Singapore.
● The EFMA mandates that foreign workers can only work in Singapore if they hold a valid work pass, such as the Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit.
● Employers have specific responsibilities and regulations to follow regarding their foreign employees depending on the type of pass, such as paying for medical treatment or not illegally deploying them in unauthorised jobs.
C. Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)
This framework ensures that employers in Singapore prohibit discrimination against factors not connected to the job role, such as age, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, marital status, familial obligations, and disabilities.