Singapore to penalise firms calling for MCs from COVID-19 positive workers
- Claire Lee
- Topics: Compliance, Employee Experience, Home Page - News, News, Singapore
Employers in Singapore who insist on a medical certificate (MC) from workers who test positive for COVID-19 can have their work pass privileges suspended, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.
“Should this happen, MOM will suspend the work pass privileges of the employer,” he said.
“Employers are expected to follow the positions set out in the advisories. If any employer deviates from the advisory without good reason, employees may approach the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for assistance,” the minister stated in a written parliamentary reply to Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng.
MOM will then verify the facts with the employers and advise them to follow the advisory, he added, highlighting that such advisories are issued after careful consideration of the interests of both employers and employees.
READ: Singapore discourages incentive schemes tied to attendance
Workers who are unwell and not able to work after testing positive for COVID-19 should not be required to produce an MC, and employers should treat the period of absence as paid sick leave, highlighted an official advisory on January 5.
