Tripartite Workgroup set up to review Employment Act 1968

28 August 2025

On 4 August 2025, the Ministry for Manpower (“MOM”) announced the formation of the Tripartite Workgroup (“TWG”) to review the Employment Act 1968 (“Employment Act”). The TWG is co-chaired by representatives from MOM, the National Trades Union Congress, and the Singapore National Employers Federation (“tripartite partners”).

The TWG will consult and engage stakeholders, including employers and employees, to inform its recommendations. The TWG expects to complete its work and submit its recommendations to the Government by H2 2026.

The Employment Act is Singapore’s main labour law, which provides for the basic terms and working conditions for almost all employees. The Employment Act has been regularly reviewed over the years to ensure that it strikes the right balance between protecting workers and preserving flexibility for businesses.

The current review of the Employment Act is part of the tripartite partners’ ongoing commitment to ensure that the labour compact remains fit for purpose. At the TWG’s first meeting on 4 August 2025, members agreed on the scope and focus areas of the TWG’s work. The TWG will study and develop recommendations to update the Employment Act to account for the changing labour force profile, evolving forms of work, and challenging economic landscape. This includes ensuring adequate protections for different groups of workers and streamlining the Employment Act to reduce regulatory and compliance costs for businesses.

The TWG’s work will be guided by the following objectives:

  • Safeguard basic employment standards;
  • Strike the right balance between business and labour interests while maintaining space for employers, employees, and unions to reach sustainable and mutually beneficial agreements; and
  • Preserve a well-functioning labour market as Singapore’s competitive advantage to ensure that Singapore continues having a productive workforce and thriving businesses.

Reference materials

The press release is available from the MOM website www.mom.gov.sg.