From 1 April 2016, all employers will be required to issue itemised payslips and key employment terms (KETs) to employees covered under the Employment Act. There will also be a new framework to treat less severe breaches of the Employment Act.

The amendments of the Employment Act enables employees to better understand how their salary is calculated and their employment terms and benefits. This also helps employers prevent misunderstandings and minimise disputes at the workplace.

Employers can read more about the requirements for:

• Itemised payslips
• Key employment terms (KETs)
• Keeping employment records

In addition, from 1 April 2016, MOM will set up a framework to treat less severe breaches of the EA as “civil breaches” which attract administrative penalties. For a start, the breaches are:

1. Failure to issue itemised payslips.
2. Failure to issue KETs in writing.
3. Failure to maintain detailed employment records.
4. Provision of inaccurate information to the Commissioner for Labour or inspecting officers without the intent to defraud and mislead.

How the changes came about
The changes highlighted here are the result of a review of the Employment Act. Feedback was obtained through several platforms, including public consultations conducted in July to October 2013. Proposals were evaluated by employers, unions and the Government.

Assistance packageEmployers can tap on the assistance package for the following:

• Blank payslips and KETs that can be filled in by hand.
• Software for generating itemised payslips.
• One-to-one assistance for SMEs.
• Funding.

Source:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/employment-act/amendments-to-the-act

All employees under a contract of service with an employer are covered, but there are exceptions. For example, Part IV of the Act which provides for rest days, hours of work, annual leave and other conditions of service, does not cover managers or executives.

What is the Employment Act
The Employment Act is Singapore's main labour law. It provides for the basic terms and conditions at work for employees covered by the Act.

Foreign employees holding a work pass are also covered under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, which outlines an employer’s responsibilities and obligations for employing foreigners.

Who is covered by the Act
You are covered if you are an employee working under a contract of service with an employer.

It covers local and foreign employees.
An employee can be employed in the following terms:

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Temporary
• Contract

An employee can be paid on the following basis:

• Hourly
• Daily
• Monthly
• Piece-rated

If you work less than 35 hours a week, you are a part-time employee covered by the Employment of Part-Time Employees Regulations.

However, you are not covered if you are employed as a:

• Manager or executive with monthly basic salary of more than $4,500.
• Seafarer.
• Domestic worker.
• Statutory board employee or civil servant.

Who is covered under Part IV
Part IV of the Employment Act, which provides for rest days, hours of work, annual leave and other conditions of service, 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 monthly basic salary of not more than $2,500.

Part IV of the Act does not cover all managers or executives.

Note: Basic salary excludes payment of overtime, bonus, annual wage supplement, productivity incentive payment, reimbursement for special expenses and all allowances.

Who is a manager or executive
In general, managers and executives are employees with executive and supervisory functions.

Their duties and authority may include one or all of the following:

• Influencing or making decisions on issues such as recruitment, discipline, termination of employment, performance assessment and reward.
• Formulating strategies and policies of the enterprise.
• Managing and running the business.

They also include professionals with tertiary education and specialised knowledge or skills whose employment terms are like those of managers or executives. For example, lawyers, accountants, dentists and doctors.

Who is a workman
Generally, workman is someone whose work involves mainly manual labour.

This includes someone who falls under any of these categories:

• Does manual work (including artisans and apprentices, but not seafarers or domestic workers).
• Operates or maintains commercial vehicles with passengers.
• Supervises manual workers, but also performs manual work more than half their working time.
• Has a job specified in the First Schedule of the Employment Act, namely:
  • Cleaner.
  • Construction worker.
  • Labourer.
  • Machine operator and assembler.
  • Metal and machinery worker.
  • Train, bus, lorry and van driver.
  • Train and bus inspector.
  • Workman employed at piece rates at an employer's premises.

Source:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/employment-act/who-is-covered

Since May 1st, households eligible for the Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Concession only paid $60 on the monthly levy.

Previously, Employers of foreign maids pay $265 a month in levies, or $120 if they qualify for a concessionary rate.

The concessionary levy was also extended to families with children aged below 16 years, up from below 12 years old previously.

"These changes will provide greater support for middle-income families who are taking care of their children and elderly parents," said by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam during his Budget 2015 speech.

Previously, families with children below 12 years old, elderly parents aged 65 years or above, or family members with disabilities pay the concessionary rate.

The reduction had taken effect since May 1st and had benefitted 144,500 households. The annual savings from the reduced maid levy for a household amount to $720 a year.

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You'll succeed in your new job by doing the best you can, regardless of whether the job is a temporary position or a professional job in your chosen field. Here are a few tips for the new employee:

Be a dependable employee! This lets your supervisor know your job is important to you.

Master your tasks and do more than is expected. Avoid "it's not my job" thinking.

Keep the lines of communication open. Inform your supervisor of how you're progressing and ask for regular feedback on your performance.

If any assignments are unclear, ask for clarification instead of proceeding in the wrong direction because you are fearful of looking foolish.

Enjoy the company of your coworkers. Get to know and be known by others in your work environment... your professional growth depends on it.

As a newcomer, avoid "office politics." Maintain confidentiality and avoid gossip.

Ask for advice and help from others, and let them know they can depend on you.

Learn the art of tact when working on a team, which includes being receptive to others' input and knowing when to compromise.

Be assertive, self-confident and visible. Think of the three "E s" - enthusiasm, energy and excellence.

Make use of the employee assistance programs offered at your workplace to help find your balance. Your employer is your partner in finding balance between the world of work and your personal and family life.

Practice
Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of concrete examples you can use to highlight your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy. Also have a list of your own questions to ask the employer ready.

Research
Do your homework about the employer and the industry so you are ready for the question What do you know about this company? Know the interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you have learned about the company when answering questions.

Get Ready
Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.

Be On Time
Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the interview location ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there. Here's more on preparing for an interview.

Stay Calm
During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Remember that your body language says as much about you as your answers to the questions. Proper preparation will allow you to exude confidence. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question (active listening) before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question. Check out these tips for avoiding job interview stress to help stay calm. Also review our interview tips for introverts.

Show What You Know
Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.  When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for. Use examples from your research when answering questions, “I noticed that when you implemented a new software system last year, your customer satisfaction ratings improved dramatically. I am well versed in the latest technologies from my experience with developing software at ABC, and appreciate a company who strives to be a leader in its industry.” Here's how to make a match between your expertise and the company's requirements.

Follow Up
Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. You can also include any details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview. If you interview with multiple people send each one a personal thank you note. Send your thank you note (email is fine) within 24 hours of your interview.