Workplace Fairness Training

 

The new Workplace Fairness Legislation (WFL) was passed this year - what do we need to know?

  1. The WFL comes into effect in 2026/2027

    Yes there is still time to prepare but don’t wait too long! Now is the perfect time for a hygiene check on your company’s policies and practices on fairness, and to train your HR and Management teams on implementation of the WFL standards.

  2. the WFL prohibits discriminatory practices

    Put simply, the WFL prohibits 3 types of discriminatory practices:

    (a) Making discriminatory employment decisions (e.g. Refusing to hire a suitably qualified older candidate in preference of a younger candidate with “more energy”)

    (b) Having policies or directions that are discriminatory (e.g. Company policy that excludes pregnant women from training programs)

    (c) Publishing discriminatory job adverts (e.g. Advert for female candidates only for a sales position)

    Further, retalation against anyone seeking redress from discrimination is also prohibited.

  3. It will be illegal for companies to have no written grievance handling policy compliant with WFL standards

    Employers will need to have a written policy that states they will conduct inquiries and reviews into all grievances raised. They must also communicate review outcomes to complainants and keep the process confidential. TAFEP has put together a helpful guide on the WFL requirements that’s worth sharing with your teams.

  4. The penalties can be severe

    It is not only corporate employers who may face fines (up to SGD 250,000) for serious breaches of the WFL, individual company directors and officers may also be held personally liable. For serious breaches (e.g. company officer refuses to follow a direction to correct a breach) a fine and/or jail term of up to 6 months may be imposed.

    For less serious breaches a fine and/or a direction to correct the breach may be imposed.

WorkWell provides thoughtful and interactive workshops for hiring managers and HR professionals on the new WFL requirements. Click below to contact us to find out more.