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Some exceptions would be made to areas such as age, sex, citizenship, religion, and disability if employers specify reasons for needing particular individuals for the job scope.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) proposed a new Workplace Fairness Bill in Parliament on Tuesday (12 November).
The purpose of the Act is to:
- protect individuals from discrimination by employers;
- establish fair employment practices;
- ensure Singapore citizens and permanent residents are fairly considered for employment opportunities and continue to form the core of the Singapore workforce, with foreigners as a complement, and
- preserve a harmonious workplace environment in Singapore.
Related amendments are also to be made to the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 through a passing of the new bill.
The proposed bill highlights what are known as protected characteristics, i.e., characteristics of an individual on the ground of which an employer cannot discriminate when making an employment decision. Such characteristics would include the following:
- Age
- Nationality
- Sex
- Marital status
- Pregnancy
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Race
- Religion
- Language ability
- Disability
- Mental health condition
However, some exceptions would be made to areas such as age, sex, citizenship, religion and disability if employers specify reasons for needing particular individuals for the job scope. For example, a spa with mostly female customers would require a female masseuse only or a place of worship would ideally require an individual of the same faith to operate in the premises.
Penalties will be charged according to the severity of each case which can be deemed as 'civil contraventions' or 'serious civil contraventions' where a fine at least S$50,000 will be charged.
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