Who is Covered Under the Singapore Employment Act?

In general, the Employment Act in Singapore covers any person who has entered into a contract of service with an employer. This includes:

• Workmen (e.g. persons engaged in manual labour or persons in jobs stated in the First Schedule of the Employment Act, such as cleaners, bus/train drivers, or construction workers)
• Persons in managerial or executive positions (PMEs), regardless of their salary level

The Ministry of Manpower defines employees holding managerial or executive positions as those who have supervisory or executive functions, including the authority to influence or make decisions on employee and business matters. Managers and executives also include professionals with tertiary education and specialised skills or knowledge, such as lawyers, doctors, and accountants.

However, the Employment Act does not cover:

• Seafarers
• Domestic workers
• Civil servants and statutory board employees

Who is Covered Under Part IV of the Employment Act?

Part 4 of the Employment Act relates to certain conditions of service, such as rest days and hours of work (including overtime pay).

Do note that Part 4 only applies to:

• Workmen earning a base pay of up to $4,500 per month
• Employees (who are not workmen or PMEs) earning a base pay of up to $2,600 per month