New job flexibility guidelines for work permit holders in services sector

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) yesterday set out the tripartite guidelines for businesses in the services sector on providing job flexibility for work permit (WP) holders, which will allow WP holders to be deployed in other job functions in the same company. The Job Flexibility Scheme, taking effect next month, is meant to help businesses enhance productivity as foreign manpower rules are being tightened.

One part sets out the guiding principles that describe how employers and employees are to benefit from this policy. The other covers legal and contractual obligations reiterating employment and employment-related laws that employers and employees are expected to comply with.

For example, before exercising job flexibility, employers should inform their employees of their redefined job scopes and seek their consent before assigning them to new tasks.

The MOM said employees who believe that their employers have not met standards of the guiding principles should seek recourse, first through channels within the employer’s business. If this is not resolved, employees should follow up with their union, and foreign employees may contact the Migrant Workers’ Centre.

The ministry also said it reserves the right to curb work pass privileges against companies in “extreme cases of non-compliance”.

The guidelines were developed in consultation with the National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation.