Guidelines help Singapore firms prepare for introduction of key employment terms in writing

The guidelines (4-page / 40.3 KB PDF), are particularly aimed at helping small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) prepare for the compulsory introduction of written key employment terms (Kets), the MOM said.

The guidelines, which were developed by the MOM in partnership with trades unions and the Singapore National Employers Federation, give employers advice on providing written information such as daily working hours, rates of pay for overtime and leave entitlements.

The move follows the MOM’s announcement last April that the issuance of written Kets would become mandatory by the first half of 2016, in tandem with the compulsory issuance of itemised payslips.

Firms will be required to provide Kets in writing to staff who have been employed continuously for at least 14 days, the MOM said. Kets can be provided in the form of a physical document or electronically, as long as employees are able to keep a copy.

The MOM said on 16 December that providing employment terms in writing “is a good employment practice which benefits both employers and employees”. “This assures employees of their regular income and main employment benefits, and helps to prevent or resolve employment disputes that may arise,” the MOM said.

According to the MOM, feedback from consultations held before the guidelines were published indicated that some SMEs might find it “challenging” to issue Kets in writing. “The guidelines therefore aim to prepare businesses to progressively change their HR practices before they are required by law to issue Kets in writing.”