MOM slaps 15 firms with punishment for discriminatory job ads

Bans them from hiring foreigners.

According to a release, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has taken action against 15 more companies, after its investigations found these companies' job advertisements to be discriminatory and not aligned with the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices issued by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP).

As was required of the 10 companies MOM took action against in September 2013, these employers have to put up online public apologies for 30 days, and are barred from hiring new foreign workers during this 30-day period, as well as for six months following the publication of their apologies.

This brings the total number of companies MOM has taken action against for discriminatory hiring practices since March 2013 to 27. Investigations into companies highlighted as having discriminatory practices or advertisements are ongoing.

Under the Tripartite Guidelines, employers who advertise a position requiring a specific attribute which may be viewed as discriminatory should ensure that the attribute is indeed a requirement of the job, and state the reason for the requirement in the advertisement.

The 15 companies could not provide valid justifications for listing discriminatory attributes (pertaining to age, gender and nationality) and restricting their recruitment to exclusive groups.

MOM expects all employers doing business in Singapore to comply with the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, and put in place fair employment practices.

MOM views employers’ non-compliance with the Tripartite Guidelines seriously, and strongly urges companies and employment agencies acting on their behalf to familiarise themselves with the Tripartite Guidelines, which can be accessed at www.tafep.sg.