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On concerns that flexi-work would result in more jobs offshoring, the Minister of State for Manpower said it was more important to make sure Singapore's workers stay globally competitive in skills and productivity. SINGAPORE: Employers with workers on flexible work arrangements have no basis to cut their pay if their productivity is not affected, Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang said on Tuesday (May 7). She was responding to a question by Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Raj Thomas on how the tripartite guidelines on flexible work arrangement requests would interact with the progressive wage model. The new guidelines, which come into effect on Dec 1, require all employers to have a process for their employees to request flexible work arrangements. Employers must give fair consideration to the requests and respond within two months. They can reject a request on "reasonable business grounds", and must give the employee the reason in writing. The progressive wage model provides a structure for wages to rise along with training and productivity improvements. It covers lower-wage local workers in certain sectors, like cleaning and security. Mr Thomas asked whether an employer would have to reject a worker's request for flexible work arrangements if it meant the worker would work fewer days, bringing his or her gross wage below the prescribed floor of the model. Ms Gan questioned the assumption that pay would be reduced in the first place, saying that employers have to pay competitively to attract and retain good workers. "For workers who are on flexible work arrangements, if their work output, productivity is not affected, actually there is no basis for employers to reduce their pay," she said. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said that "the spirit of the PWM (progressive wage model) should really lead the entire thinking" behind the implementation of any guidelines. He said the guidelines on flexible work arrangements were based on tripartism and collaboration, and represented a "very nuanced approach". "I think we are moving into newer waters, and I would seek an appeal to the understanding, the support and also the patience of all of us together as one united society, to come together to make this work for the betterment of all of our future generations of workers." Dr Wan Rizal (PAP-Jalan Besar) raised concerns from workers who may want flexible work arrangements but fear if their personal issues, like mental health, are aired in the process, that this could hurt their career progression. Ms Gan reiterated that employers must assess employees' performance and pay them fairly based on work done, and not discriminate based on health conditions that do not affect their performance. After the guidelines were announced, some employers told CNA that as managing remote teams becomes more common, they may rethink hiring local staff and look overseas for recruitment, particularly given the difference in costs. Members of the tripartite working group that drafted the guidelines, co-chaired by Ms Gan, have said that ensuring the local workforce stays competitive will be key as Singapore normalises flexible work arrangements. On Tuesday, Ms Gan reiterated that remote work and outsourcing are already global trends regardless of Singapore's guidelines. "Even if foreigners are not working in Singapore ... they will still be competing with us when working in companies overseas," she said. It was more important for local workers to continually upskill and stay productive to compete for jobs not just in Singapore, but globally, she added. MP Cheryl Chan (PAP-East Coast) then asked whether Singapore would see more offshoring of jobs as a result of the flexible work arrangement guidelines. She also asked whether middle-aged professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) would be disadvantaged by the guidelines and by the redesign of job roles to accommodate flexible work arrangements. Ms Gan replied that flexible work arrangements were not limited to flexi-place arrangements (like working from home), and did not mean workers will be less productive. She added that businesses were driven by their own bottom lines in assessing talent and costs. "I think we should not pretend that without flexible work arrangements, there'll be less offshoring," she said. "I would also point out that elsewhere, in the US, for example, we are also seeing some tech companies putting out statements that remote work does not work for them. "There seems to be some suggestion that actually, for certain sectors and for certain types of work, physical on-site presence, teamwork, all these are still very key." She said that some companies in Singapore have shared similar feedback, adding: "For those, I think offshoring may not be a natural choice, and certainly would not be affected by these guidelines." Ms Gan said that the focus for middle-aged PMETs is on making sure they have the right skills and on their "career health" to make sure they stay employable. Addressing MPs' questions, she also reiterated that the guidelines do not mandate flexible work arrangements or set hard targets. "For flexible work arrangements to be successful, it must make businesses sustainable for the employers," she said. "It does not make sense to require businesses to offer flexible work arrangements, even when it negatively impacts business and affects employment prospects for Singaporeans."

From CNA: http://www.mycarforum.com/index.php?act=po...w_post&f=15 MAIDS' WEEKLY DAY OFF Employers' concerns considered, says MOM Published on Mar 13, 2012 SENTIMENTS expressed in recent Forum letters on the weekly rest day requirement for foreign domestic workers (FDWs) are largely similar to those that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) encountered during its extensive consultation exercise on the review of the FDW management framework since June last year. Some of the feedback have been incorporated, including the flexibility of mutually agreeing when rest days should fall, or compensation with a day's wage. A few called for a reduction or removal of the levy. The levy serves to moderate demand for FDWs and ensures that only employers who need and have the financial means to hire them are able to do so. Singapore already has one of the world's highest number of FDWs per 1,000 households. While significantly higher wages would also moderate demand and increase our attractiveness as a place to work for quality FDWs, it remains unclear that the market-determined wages of all FDWs will in fact adjust proportionately to levy reductions. Previous levy reductions did not result in a corresponding rise in wages. The majority of households in Singapore with young children, elderly or disabled members already enjoy a $95 monthly levy concession. Together with the $120 FDW grant for households with frail elderly people or persons with severe disabilities, these concessions are more than adequate to cover the rise in costs from compensating FDWs for working on their rest days. Since January 2010, the MOM has already removed employers' liability if FDWs breach work permit conditions that relate to their own behaviour. The ministry does not forfeit employers' security bonds if FDWs violate their own work permit conditions, for instance, if they moonlight or get pregnant. In reality, the ministry forfeits very few security bonds each year. We are currently reviewing the employers' obligations for medical and repatriation costs for exceptional circumstances that they have little or no control over. Concerns have also been raised about employment terms and the activities of FDWs on their rest days. As with any employment relationship, FDWs do negotiate for better terms, whether they have rest days or otherwise. Any change must be agreed upon by both employer and FDW. The MOM is stepping up audits to ensure employment agencies facilitate better matches between employers and FDWs. It is also working closely with various stakeholders to educate FDWs on appropriate behaviour on their days off, and offer activities to help them spend their rest days productively. Farah Abdul Rahim (Ms) Director, Corporate Communications Ministry of Manpower

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said employers' contribution rates to the Central Provident Fund for older workers have to go up, but added that any increases will have to be gradual. Mr Lee revealed this at a pre-Budget dialogue with unionists last week. Currently, CPF contribution rates are cut when workers reach 50 years old, and cut further when they turn 65. The labour movement, NTUC, has been calling for this to be reviewed. This too, comes at a time when Singaporeans are being encouraged to work beyond their retirement. Mr Lee said the government is discussing the matter with unions and employers. But cost is a consideration. He noted for instance, that a larger proportion of older workers kept their jobs during the recession, because their CPF was lower, and so they were cheaper to retain. The government's concern here, is that once older workers lose their jobs, it's much harder for them to get back to work. Source :Increase CPF contribution to older workers I am not too sure about this proposal, with the readily available cheaper and better FT, will this scheme encourage company to retain older workers?

Do you work for any of them ? Organization Award Category The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore Outstanding Best Employers McDonald's Restaurants Pte Ltd Outstanding Best Employers American Express International Inc. Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Bain & Company Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Citi Singapore Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Federal Express (S) Pte Ltd Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Hilti Far East Pte Ltd Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Institute of Technical Education Best Employers in Singapore 2011 InterContinental Hotels Group Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Singapore Food Industries Pte Ltd Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Singapore Marriott Hotel Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Singapore Prison Service Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Tata Consultancy Services Best Employers in Singapore 2011 Source: http://was2.hewitt.com/bestemployers/apac/...1_singapore.htm

wow... http://www.asiaone.com/Business/News/Offic...112-100031.html

The levy on employers of foreign domestic helpers will be suspended for two years from September, bringing a saving of HK$9,600, but the measure will not benefit those who have already paid.... Too bad...only apply in HK. When is SG going to follow? http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menui...ong+Kong&s=News

Singapore could face another round of inflation if firms raise wages By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 09 July 2008 2154 hrs [image]http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/php6lMXZT.jpg[/image] Tharman Shanmugaratnam SINGAPORE : Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has warned that Singapore could face another round of inflation if companies increase wages to help workers cope with the higher cost of living today. He said this will also affect Singapore's competitiveness and the ability to create jobs. Mr Tharman was speaking to some 500 workers at the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees' Union dinner on Wednesday evening. Higher rice and oil prices have led some Singaporeans to call on the government to set the tone by raising wages. But Mr Tharman said such short-term measures are not prudent. Instead, he said the government has provided assistance to help Singaporeans deal with the higher cost of living. These include S$500 million in GST Credits - to help citizens cope with the increased Goods and Services Tax - and special bonuses for senior citizens. Mr Tharman said Singapore also addresses the problem of inflation mainly through its exchange rate policy. Since the beginning of last year, the Singapore dollar has appreciated by 11 per cent against the US dollar. However, the minister said there is a limit to how much Singapore can allow its dollar to rise to fight inflation. Mr Tharman said if Singapore dramatically strengthens its dollar to offset the higher prices, it will instead hurt economic growth badly. He said oil prices have increased by 50 per cent since the start of this year. And it has gone up by about 100 per cent compared to a year go. Food prices globally are now up to 60 per cent higher than one year ago. Mr Tharman cautioned Singaporeans to brace themselves as oil prices may increase further. He said, "We expect inflation to be between 5-6 per cent on average this year, with inflation being lower towards the end of the year. We also expect inflation in the second half of the year to be lower because the effects of last July's GST increase on inflation will wear out. "However, the recent sharp increase in global oil prices will add pressure on inflation. So we are monitoring this and the impact on inflation closely, and will decide if inflation forecasts for this year need to be revised." Looking at the global situation, Mr Tharman said the weakness in the US economy could extend into next year. But he maintains that Singapore can expect Gross Domestic Product growth to average between four and six per cent this year. Mr Tharman said the lasting solution to inflation is to continue with efforts to help workers upgrade their skills and earn better wages. He said it is also important to help experienced, mature workers stay employed and help home-makers get back to work. This will not only increase the household income, but help improve Singapore's tight labour market. - CNA/ms Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin.../359295/1/.html YEAH! MORE GOOD YEARS AHEAD~! MIW CAN RAISE SALARY BUT WE CANNOT.

Though many who are employers practise this, few would ever openly vouch that this is true in their own practice. Performance in work aside ( the male and female have different edge ), the overall package seem less attractive when it comes to hiring a female. Besides the part where employers can be left to 'fill the blanks' when such females employees go on maternity leave...there are more hidden but proven industy facts as to why employers have come to be biased towards employing female when it comes to highly skilled and management posts. What are your views?...male and female views are welcome!