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Written Answer to PQ on Maternity Protections for Singaporeans in Non-standard Forms of Employment

Employment practices

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3103 OF 2024 FOR THE 14 OCTOBER 2024 SITTING
QUESTION NO. 6118 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
MP: See Jinli Jean
To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry will extend maternity protection to Singaporeans engaged in non-standard forms of employment such as those under dependent self-employment to provide some recourse for termination of contracts on grounds related to pregnancy; and (b) if not, when will the Ministry consider doing so.

Answer:

1. Self-employed persons and service buyers are encouraged to negotiate contracts that are mutually favourable, including providing for scenarios where a party is unable to fulfil the contract, such as pregnancy.

2. Parties can take reference from the Tripartite Standard on Contracting with Self-Employed Persons, and any disputes can be brought to the Small Claims Tribunals.