COS 2015 Debate: MOM – CPF for Freelance and Part-time Workers (MP Pritam Singh)

By MP for Aljunied GRC, Pritam Singh
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 9 March 2015]

Madam Chair, in an email sent by the Minister of Manpower to members very recently, Minister sent a softcopy of the “Do-it-Right” toolkit, as part of the Ministry’s WorkRight initiative. A 16-slide document, slide 10 was notable as it covered the employer’s duty in contributing CPF to employees, including employees who are on part-time, ad-hoc, contract, or casual employment, including those on probation.

The document also confirmed that it was illegal for employers to contract out their obligation to pay CPF for their employees, regardless of employee employment status. I appreciate the effort of the Ministry in pursuing an educative approach towards employers at the first instance. As WorkRight is into its second year, I would like to enquire if the Ministry has a timeline or framework to change its approach to compel employers to make the necessary CPF payments for all employees including freelancers, part-timers and contract workers.

Until then, I would like to request the Ministry to consider educating and stepping up awareness among temporary, ad-hoc and part-time employees as well and to allow them to file reports against employers who refuse to make CPF contributions especially since the risk of CPF inadequacy in their later years would be very acute for freelancers and part-time workers. Thank you.