At a glance
- A Tripartite Work Group (TWG) has begun reviewing Singapore’s Employment Act 1968 to reflect changes in the labour force and developments in working arrangements.
- The review aims to safeguard employment standards, balance business and worker interests, and maintain a competitive labour market.
- Recommendations are expected in the second half of 2026, following stakeholder consultations.
On 4 August 2025, it was announced that a TWG, comprising union, employer and senior government representatives, had convened its first meeting to review the Employment Act 1968 (EA). The EA is Singapore's principal labour statute, covering statutory employment rights, obligations and liabilities for almost all employees, and was last comprehensively updated in 2019.
Specifically, the TWG will study and develop recommendations to update the EA 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 EA to reduce regulatory and compliance costs for businesses.
The TWG’s work will be guided by the following objectives: (1) to safeguard basic employment standards; (2) to 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 (3) to preserve a well-functioning labour market as Singapore’s competitive advantage to ensure a productive workforce and thriving businesses.
The TWG will consult stakeholders, including employers and employees, and expects to complete its work and submit its recommendations to the government in the second half of 2026.
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