New Bill proposed to protect people against workplace discrimination

It has provisions to tackle discriminatory practices in hiring, dismissals and appraisals

- Krist Boo Senior Business Correspondent and Sharon Salim

A new workplace fairness Bill to protect workers against workplace discrimination was introduced in Parliament on Nov 12, with provisions to tackle discriminatory practices in hiring, dismissals and appraisals.

The proposed legislation is split into two parts: The first Bill outlines principles in protecting workers, the processes for dispute resolution and the levers to address breaches. It was introduced in Parliament by Manpower Minister Tan See Leng. The second Bill will spell out claims procedures and requires amendments to the Employment Claims Act. It will be tabled in 2025.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is introducing the legislation in two phases instead of one to give employers more time to prepare, it said in a media factsheet.

If passed, both Bills are expected to take effect concurrently in 2026 or 2027. When enacted, the legislation aims to reinforce fair and merit-based practices as workplace norms, bolster protection for employees and create a safer environment for employees to bring up bias grievances, MOM added in the factsheet.

The proposed legislation sets out corrective action against errant employers, making clear that employment decisions, such as in hiring, firing and appraisals, based on five groups of characteristics are unlawful.

Such characteristics are nationality, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy status and caregiving responsibilities, as well as race, religion, language, disability and mental health conditions.