Written Answer to PQ on Recourse for Workers facing Tattoo Discrimination under TAFEP Framework

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2942 OF 2024 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 08 AUGUST 2024
QUESTION NO. 5968 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Leong Mun Wai

To ask the Minister for Manpower whether workers who have experienced employment discrimination because of their tattoos can seek recourse under the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices framework.

Answer

Such workers can indeed contact the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices for advice and assistance. Employers are required to abide by the principles of fair employment practices set out in the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, which includes recruiting employees on the basis of merit. Employers are also permitted to consider in recruitment genuine and reasonable occupational requirements that make it difficult for those with tattoos to perform the job function.