The Employment Act is a piece of legislation that governs the terms and conditions of employment in Singapore. The act outlines the basic rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, as well as the minimum standards for working conditions, wages, and benefits. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the coverage of the Employment Act, including its scope, exemptions, and key provisions.
Scope of the Employment Act
The Employment Act covers all employees who are:
- Singapore citizens or permanent residents
- Employed under a contract of service with an employer
- Employed in any sector of the economy except those specifically excluded by the act
Exemptions from the Employment Act
There are certain categories of employees who are exempt from the coverage of the Employment Act, including:
- Managers and executives who earn more than $4,500 per month
- Seafarers, domestic workers, and statutory board employees
- Employees of the Singapore Armed Forces, police force, and civil defense force
Key Provisions of the Employment Act
- Minimum Working Conditions
Under the Employment Act, employers are required to provide their employees with certain minimum working conditions, including:
- Maximum working hours of 44 hours per week
- At least one rest day per week
- Paid public holidays
- Annual leave of at least 7 days for the first year of service, and increasing up to 14 days after 8 years of service
- Wages and Benefits
Employers are required to pay their employees at least the minimum wage set by the government, which is currently $1,400 per month. In addition, employers must provide their employees with certain benefits, including:
- Overtime pay for work performed beyond regular working hours
- Sick leave and hospitalization leave
- Maternity leave for female employees
- Retirement benefits for employees who have worked for at least 3 years
- Termination and Dismissal
The Employment Act sets out the procedures that employers must follow when terminating or dismissing employees, including:
- Giving notice of termination or dismissal
- Paying retrenchment benefits to eligible employees
- Providing reasons for termination or dismissal, if requested by the employee
- Allowing employees to appeal against unfair dismissal
- Employment Records
Employers are required to keep accurate employment records for all their employees, including:
- Personal particulars
- Date of commencement of employment
- Salary and wage records d. Leave records
Benefits of the Employment Act
The Employment Act provides a number of benefits to both employers and employees, including:
- Clarity and certainty in employment terms and conditions
- Protection for employees against unfair treatment or dismissal
- Increased productivity and job satisfaction due to improved working conditions and benefits
- Improved employer-employee relations due to clear communication and understanding of rights and responsibilities
Conclusion
The Employment Act is an important piece of legislation that outlines the basic rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in Singapore. It sets out minimum standards for working conditions, wages, and benefits, and provides protection for employees against unfair treatment or dismissal. By understanding the scope, exemptions, and key provisions of the act, employers and employees can work together to create a productive and harmonious workplace.