Singapore businesses required to report on-site staff numbers

This development is part of the government’s efforts to monitor the number of people working on-site as the country reverts back to phase two (heightened alert) status in view of the recent spike in new COVID-19 cases. 

Although it was suspended last month when Singapore reopened its economy to allow more staff to return to workplaces, MTI has again put in place the requirement to provide updates.  

MTI informed business owners about the requirement via email from Postman.gov.sg last Friday which prompted some to question the legitimacy of the email, perceiving the message was a scam. MTI has since confirmed that the email was legitimate, and said it was a tool to send communications en masse to the public in a quick and effective manner. 

The current phase two (heightened alert) status in the country has made working from home the default mode again. There are also limitations on movements and social gatherings. 

READ: Help for working parents as Singapore schools move to home-based learning

In addition, employers have been asked to stagger the start times of employees who need to return to the workplace, and implement flexible working hours. 

Social gatherings at the workplace remain prohibited, according to The Sunday Times.