Description

This is a hybrid session. You have the option to attend this live in-person or online via Zoom. Please select accordingly at registration.

This practical seminar will allow those involved in Human Resource and Senior Management of corporations and businesses to be updated on the latest developments to the Singapore Employment Law and its practical implications on HR contracts. The recent 2023 Budget highlights on employment law will be reviewed. This workshop will use a large range of recent real-life examples of employment-related disputes and other contract related issues to provide a practical understanding of HR’s contractual challenges. Additionally, best practices and tips to overcome topical HR disputes will be shared by the presenter.

Programme Outline

This seminar walks participants through Singapore’s current Employment Law based on the Employment Act and Contract Law and its latest updates. With case studies provided, it will cover the following topics:

Reviewing 2023 Budget Statement Updates to the Singapore Employment Law, Other Recent Measures Announced and its Implications on HR Contracts

• Job-skills integrators
• Employment Assistance for Senior Citizens
• Employment Credit
• Progressive Wage Credit Scheme
• Flexible work arrangements
• Leave entitlements
• Central Provident Fund: increase in salary ceiling
• The Retirement and Re-Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 and CPF (Amendment) Bill 2021
• Jobs growth incentive
• Foreign workforce policies
• New: Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
• Tripartite Committee on Workplace Fairness: Interim Report released on February 2023
• National Wages Council Guidelines for 2022/2023
• Approved Code of Practice on Chief Executives’ and Board of Directors’ Workplace Safety and Health Duties

The Employment Act Updates

• Employee working conditions under the Act, including Medical / dental entitlements, Sick leave and Maternity leave

Retirement and Re-employment Act Updates

• Duty to re-employ
• Justification to not re-employ
• Disputes relating to duty under Retirement and Re-employment Act

Common HR Contractual Issues affecting the Employment Relationship

• Common law definition of an employee
• Creation of a valid contract of employment
• Employee duties under common law
• Employer duties under common law
• Non-competition clauses
• Non-solicitation clauses
• Employee’s duty of confidentiality and employer trade secrets
• Remedies against employee for breaching employee duties

Effectively Handling Disputes: Contractual Termination/Summary Dismissal of Employees/Dispute Resolution Process

• Types of Termination of Employment
• Remedies upon Termination
• Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management
• Employment Claims Tribunal

Q&A

What you will learn

• Review of the 2023 Budget Updates and recent developments to Singapore Employment Law
• An overview of the updated Employment Act in Singapore and employee benefits under the Act
• Updated Employer duties under the Retirement and Re-employment Act
• Be well-versed on employer and employee duties under common law
• Learn key details on common clauses (restraint of trade) in employment contracts and whether these are enforceable, which is a must-know for those in HR and senior management
• Find out remedies for employee breaching the employee duties
• Practical tips on how to handle contract termination/summary dismissals
• Find out how to effectively manage disputes between the Employer and the employee
• Gain a good understanding of the procedures for Employment Dispute Resolution

Target Audience

• Regional HR Directors and Managers
• Senior Management

Expert Speaker

Christopher Bridges

With over 33 years of specialised practice as a litigator and corporate advisor, Mr Christopher Bridges is well versed in handling various civil and criminal disputes.

Mr Bridges enjoys teaching and is an Adjunct Lecturer with Murdoch University and Birmingham City University where he teaches Workplace Law, Regulatory Compliance and Constitutional Law. Having been described as clear, confident, and knowledgeable by those who have previously attended his courses and workshops, he is able to present his ideas in a succinct manner, allowing participants to relate concepts to real life problems and come up with practical solutions.

He was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor to The Supreme Court, Republic of Singapore on 6th June 1990. He is also a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Oaths. He is a Volunteer Probation Officer.

His field of practice as a General Litigator is wide and varied, ranging from Civil Dispute Resolution to Criminal Law. He is accredited on the List of Leading Counsel maintained by the High Court of Singapore which appoints senior criminal practitioners to represent those facing Capital Punishment. He was awarded the 'Minister for Law' Appreciation Award for his services to the Legal Aid Bureau.

Mr Bridges has served on sub-committees in the Law Society of Singapore and has been recognized by the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme for his contributions to this Scheme. He has been a member of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators since 1995. He also sits on the Board of Visitors for the Singapore Prisons.