Key Changes In Singapore Employment Law In 2014

There have been many recent changes in Singapore employment law to extend better protection for more workers and improve employment standards.

The key changes which take effect on 1 April 2014 (unless stated otherwise) are as follows:

1. More protection for professionals, managers and executives ("PMEs"): PMEs in receipt of a salary not exceeding SGD 4,500 a month will be covered by all parts of the Employment Act save for Part IV which relates to rest days and hours of work. Previously, such PMEs were only covered by the provisions relating to payment of salary, documentary requirements and procedures and regulations.
2. Higher salary threshold for non-workmen: The salary threshold for non-workmen, such as clerical staff and frontline service staff, covered under the "Rest Days, Hours of Work" provisions (Part IV) of the Employment Act will be raised from a basic monthly salary of SGD 2,000 to SGD 2,500, in line with increases in salary levels, such that Part IV