Employment Act
What is Employment Act?
The Employment Act is Singapore's main labour law. It sets out the basic terms and conditions of work for employees covered by the Act.
Who does Employment Act apply to?
- It covers all employees working under a contract of service with an employer, including managers and executives.
- It covers both local and foreign employees.
However, the Act does not cover employees working as a:
- Seafarer
- Domestic worker (foreign domestic workers are covered by the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act instead)
- Statutory board employee or civil servant
Who is covered under Part IV?
Part 4 of the Employment Act regulates hours of work, breaks, overtime pay and rest days.
According to MOM, Part 4 only applies to:
- A workman (doing manual labour) earning a basic monthly salary of not more than $4,500.
- An employee who is not a workman, but who is covered by the Employment Act and earns a basic monthly salary of not more than $2,600.
For non-workmen, overtime pay is calculated on a salary of at most $2,600, or an hourly rate of $13.60, even if they earn more.
Part 4 of the Act does not cover managers or executives, regardless of their salary.
