Oral Answer to PQ on Strengthening Employment Protections for Lower-Income PMEs

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1244 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 8 SEPTEMBER 2026

QUESTION NO. 2823 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider strengthening employment protections for lower-income Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) who may have limited bargaining power to negotiate fair employment terms and working conditions, including protections comparable to those available to lower-income non-PME workers.

Answer

1. Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) are covered under the Employment Act (EA), which mandates basic protections including annual leave, sick leave and timely payment of salaries.

2. However, Part 4 of the EA which provides additional protections to lower-income employees, such as through higher overtime pay rates and limits on working hours, currently does(do) not extend to PMEs.

3. Tripartite partners recognise that PMEs are a key part of our workforce, comprising about 40% of all workers. They are also a (very) diverse segment, whose roles and incomes can vary significantly. Lower income PMEs may have limited bargaining power and would benefit from additional protections.

4. We are actively studying how to strengthen support for lower-income PMEs as part of the ongoing Employment Act review. This includes considering how to extend appropriate protections while preserving the flexibility that many PMEs value. We will provide an update in due course.