Singapore’s workplace fairness law hailed as timely but rights group points to gaps

As Singapore moves to legislate against workplace discrimination, a rights group in the city state argues there are still gaps in the proposed law, although the categories covered are based on more than 95 per cent of complaints recorded.

Experts meanwhile applaud the drive for workplace fairness as timely, though one observer points out that employers should not require the spectre of the law to comply with such practices.

Companies and employers who discriminate against workers based on characteristics such as their race, age, sex and nationality could soon be hauled to court to be fined under the Workplace Fairness Legislation that was tabled in parliament on Tuesday.

Should the bill be passed, the law is likely to come into effect from 2026.

It will cover employment decisions including hiring decisions, performance reviews, training and dismissals.

The main LGBTQ rights group in the city state has expressed disappointment that diverse sexual orientation and gender identities are not covered under the proposed law.