Tripartite Guidelines on Issuance of Written Key Employment Terms Released

16 December 2014

1. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) have developed a set of Tripartite Guidelines on the Issuance of Key Employment Terms (KETs) in Writing, as a first step towards supporting this good workplace practice. This follows MOM’s announcement in April 2014 that the issuance of written KETs will be mandated by the first half of 2016, in tandem with the mandating of itemised payslips.
2. The tripartite partners agree that the provision of KETs in writing (such as for salary as well as main job duties and responsibilities) is a good employment practice which benefits both employers and employees. This assures employees of their regular income and main employment benefits, and helps to prevent or resolve employment disputes that may arise.
3. The Guidelines were formulated after consultation with various stakeholders. We received feedback that some small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may find the issuance of KETs in writing challenging. The Guidelines therefore aim to prepare businesses to progressively change their HR practices before they are required by law to issue KETs in writing.
4. SNEF and NTUC will also actively reach out to their members and management partners to promote the adoption of the Guidelines. Employers that require further assistance can approach SNEF or any of the SME Centres listed in the Guidelines.