2024 wrapped The biggest manpower stories of the year, and what's ahead for workers and bosses

New laws and protections for workers' welfare were introduced in 2024, covering issues such as workplace discrimination, flexible work arrangements and job hunting after being retrenched.

- Tay Hong Yi and Sharon Salim

Here are eight major changes and what bosses and workers can look out for in 2025.

SINGAPORE'S FIRST WORKPLACE FAIRNESS LAWS

Workers will have stronger protections against discrimination at work under new workplace fairness legislation, which is being introduced through two Bills.

On Nov 12, the first Bill was introduced in Parliament, making clear that employment decisions based on five groups of characteristics—such as race, age, disability, mental health conditions and pregnancy status and caregiving responsibilities—are unlawful.

If the Bill is passed, employers will need to set up a grievance handling process and inform their workers about the procedures when a worker sends in a complaint, bosses must conduct inquiries, document the process and communicate the outcome, while maintaining confidentiality.

WHY IT MATTERS

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said the five groups of characteristics account for 95 per cent of workplace discrimination complaints made to the ministry and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (Tafep).

The legislation, which prohibits retaliation from employers, will better protect workers who want to speak up against discriminatory practices in hiring, dismissals and appraisals. For the first time, penalties including fines and civil lawsuits filed by MOM can be meted out, depending on the severity of breaches.

LOOKING AHEAD

The first Bill will be debated in Parliament in 2025, and the second Bill will be introduced to spell out how workers can file private claims against discriminatory employers.

This will expand the scope of the existing Employment Claims Tribunal. Both Bills are expected to come into effect in 2026 or 2027.

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