On 4 August 2025, the Ministry of Manpower (“MOM“) announced the formation of a Tripartite Workgroup (“TWG“) by the tripartite partners to develop recommendations for a review of the Employment Act (“EA“).
As Singapore’s primary labour legislation, the EA provides for the basic terms and working conditions for almost all employees and is subject to regular review by the tripartite partners. The present review will focus on adapting the EA to suit the changing labour force profile, evolving forms of work, and challenging economic landscape. This includes ensuring adequate protections for different groups of workers, and reducing regulatory and compliance costs for businesses. The work will be guided by the objectives of:
- safeguarding basic employment standards;
- striking a balance between business and labour interests, alongside allowing employers, employees and unions the room to reach sustainable and mutually beneficial agreements; and
- preserving a well-functioning labour market.
The TWG will consult and engage stakeholders, including employers and employees, to inform them of its recommendations. It expects to submit its recommendations to the Government by 2H 2026.
Click the following link for more information:
- MOM Press Release titled “Tripartite Workgroup Convenes First Meeting to Develop Recommendations for Review of Employment Act” (available on the MOM website at www.mom.gov.sg)
Disclaimer
Rajah & Tann Asia is a network of member firms with local legal practices in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Our Asian network also includes our regional office in China as well as regional desks focused on Brunei, Japan and South Asia. Member firms are independently constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local requirements.
The contents of this publication are owned by Rajah & Tann Asia together with each of its member firms and are subject to all relevant protection (including but not limited to copyright protection) under the laws of each of the countries where the member firm operates and, through international treaties, other countries. No part of this publication may be reproduced, licensed, sold, published, transmitted, modified, adapted, publicly displayed, broadcast (including storage in any medium by electronic means whether or not transiently for any purpose save as permitted herein) without the prior written permission of Rajah & Tann Asia or its respective member firms.
Please note also that whilst the information in this publication is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing, it is only intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be treated as legal advice or a substitute for specific professional advice for any particular course of action as such information may not suit your specific business and operational requirements. You should seek legal advice for your specific situation. In addition, the information in this publication does not create any relationship, whether legally binding or otherwise. Rajah & Tann Asia and its member firms do not accept, and fully disclaim, responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from accessing or relying on the information in this publication.
