Have sector-specific EP salaries and stricter penalties to ensure fair consideration: MPs
Singapore
MORE sector-specific qualifying salaries for foreign professionals and stricter penalties could help ensure fair treatment of Singaporean jobseekers, Members of Parliament suggested on Monday.
Patrick Tay, MP of Pioneer single-member constituency and NTUC assistant secretary-general, said that, given the announcement of higher qualifying salaries for Employment Pass (EP) holders, the bar could similarly be raised for sectors such as infocomm technology and professional services, which have more firms on the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) watch list.
Current exemptions to the FCF should also be reviewed, while mandatory audits and stiffer penalties could be introduced, such as removing preferential tax benefits, he said.
The existing watch list maintained by the Manpower ministry and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices could also be made public, so that the potential reputational loss will deter firms from unfair practices.
Singapore should consider legislation instead of relying on frameworks, he added, suggesting a study of the feasibility of fair employment or anti-discrimination legislation.
"We need to re-consider the long-held notion of being regarded as 'not investment friendly' with legislation," he said. "The world has moved on to embrace sustainability and related environmental, social and governance legislation, which encompasses fair employment."
If such measures bear no fruit, a two-tiered EP quota for higher-skilled and mid-skilled workers could be considered, he said.
Ensuring fair treatment of Singaporean workers was one major labour issue raised on the first day of debate on the President's Address.
MP for West Coast group representation constituency Foo Mee Har also called for an EP quota differentiated by sector, and suggested that senior management be held responsible for complying with fair-consideration laws. Jurong GRC MP Ang Wei Neng suggested a National Human Resource Committee to work with HR departments in firms.
While Singapore remains open to global talent and investment, companies operating here should put more effort into strengthening their Singaporean core, said new political office-holder Tan See Leng in his first speech in Parliament.
Dr Tan, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for both Manpower and Trade and Industry, said: "We will give Singaporean job-seekers a stronger boost by working with businesses to give more serious consideration to Singaporeans when hiring, especially those who are willing to adjust their expectations and adapt."
He added: "We will also scale up our proactive efforts to increase our Singaporean job seekers' chances of landing a suitable job." However, he appealed to job seekers themselves to be realistic, given the economic climate.
Though some graduates may find it hard to secure jobs now, the government will help them build their professional skills, experience and networks through the SGUnited Traineeships Programme, and encourage young entrepreneurs, said Dr Tan.
As for mature workers, the worst-hit sectors and jobs may take a long time to recover, or they may never do so. The government has designed opportunities for mid-career workers to train for different jobs, and is ensuring that employers consider them fairly.
Fellow first-time office-holder Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Education and Manpower, urged firms to retain Singaporeans over foreigners if retrenchment is unavoidable.
Firms themselves benefit from a strong local presence, she added, getting more support, being more resilient amid border controls, and improving trust with local employees.
Other labour issues raised on Monday included workplace health and safety. NTUC assistant secretary-general Melvin Yong expressed hope that the Work Injury Compensation Act could include mental health illnesses related to work stress, and that freelancers can enjoy statutory protection.
READ MORE: Singapore businesses alarmed by growing protectionist calls
