share on
The review will explore how the EA can be refreshed to keep pace with a changing workforce profile, emerging forms of work, and a more challenging economic landscape.
Singapore's Employment Act (EA) will be undergoing a fresh review, with a newly formed Tripartite Workgroup (TWG) holding its first meeting on 4 August 2025 to chart the path forward.
The TWG brings together representatives from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF). It is co-chaired by Ng Chee Khern, Permanent Secretary, MOM, Cham Hui Fong, Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC, and Kuah Boon Wee, Vice President, SNEF.
For the full composition of the TWG-EAR, please click here.
Ensuring the law remains relevant for workers and employers
The EA is Singapore’s main labour law, setting out the basic terms and working conditions for almost all employees. Introduced in 1968, it has been regularly updated to reflect a balance between protecting workers as well as preserving flexibility for businesses.
The review will explore how the EA can be refreshed to keep pace with a changing workforce profile, emerging forms of work, and a more challenging economic landscape. As part of this, the TWG will study ways to ensure adequate protection for different groups of workers, while also streamlining the Act to reduce regulatory and compliance costs for employers.
At the meeting, the TWG agreed on three guiding objectives:
- Safeguard basic employment standards
- Balance the interests of businesses and workers, while maintaining space for employers, employees and unions to reach sustainable agreements
- Preserve a well-functioning labour market that supports a productive workforce and thriving businesses
Voices from the tripartite partners
PS Ng from MOM said the review is timely, given the shifts taking place in Singapore’s labour landscape. He noted that the EA has long been a cornerstone of the country's labour legislation, helping to build trust between employers and workers. He added that TWG will build on the strong foundation of tripartism to develop outcomes that protect workers’ and employers’ interests while preserving Singapore’s competitiveness.
DSG Cham from NTUC highlighted the importance of supporting all segments of the workforce, especially PMEs and lower-wage workers.
“NTUC will work to ensure that the Act remains relevant and balanced for our workers, i.e., safeguarding workers’ basic employment standards, and supporting business sustainability.”
From the employers' perspective, SNEF's VP Kuah noted that both business and worker expectations are changing.
"SNEF is committed to working closely with our tripartite partners – MOM and NTUC – to ensure that the Act continues to balance employers’ need for flexibility with safeguarding basic employment terms and working conditions for employees.”
What’s next?
The TWG will consult and engage stakeholders, including employers and employees, to inform its recommendations. TWG is expected to complete its work and submit its recommendations to the Government by the second half of 2026.
Lead image/ Ministry of Manpower Facebook
share on