Corporate CNY gatherings disallowed, current workplace measures to remain in place

CHINESE New Year company gatherings will not be allowed this year as workplace safe management measures (SMMs) remain unchanged for the time being.

The Ministry of Manpower, National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation said in a joint media release on Friday that they decided to postpone any further adjustments to workplace SMMs after considering the higher risk from new transmissible virus strains and recent trends in community and workplace Covid-19 cases.

Under the current measures, working from home is the default arrangement to minimise transmission risks in the workplace. Only work-related events are allowed, meaning that gatherings and social activities such as lo hei and Chinese New Year meals are prohibited.

Employers are still required to allow employees to report to work during off-peak periods if they must return to the workplace, and stagger start times so that at least half of the workforce begins work at the workplace at or after 10am.

The tripartite partners urged employers to implement staggered work hours more extensively since despite the SMMs, peak hour travel on public transport increased by 11 per cent in January compared to November 2020.

"While we understand the desire for more physical workplace interactions, we urge employers and employees to stay vigilant in the fight against Covid-19," they said. "The prevailing SMM requirements are vital to continue safe reopening for the economy."

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