Orient Magazine Issue 80 - February 2021 | Page 14

NEWS :
FROM THE CHAMBER
BritCham Supports SBF Pledge of 29 TACs to Promote Fair Employment Practices in Singapore of solidarity to collectively pledge support for a joint statement on fair hiring and employment practices .
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented time of economic disruption for businesses and their workforce . As businesses welcome the new year and prepare for recovery and growth , the joint statement is an important call by the TACs to encourage their member companies to remain committed to recruiting candidates fairly based on merit and to developing their workforce .
The Joint Statement is aligned with the Fair Consideration Framework ( FCF ) and the Tripartite Guidelines for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices ( TGFEP ), which underline employers ’ commitment to preventing discrimination at the workplace and encouraging businesses to adopt progressive human resource ( HR ) practices , provide guidance for TACs and their members companies to abide by the principles of fair and equitable hiring of employees , so as to develop a strong Singaporean core .
Together , the 29 TACs represent the diversity of Singapore ’ s business community , across different industry sectors and spanning Multinational Companies ( MNCs ), Large Local Enterprises ( LLEs ) and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises ( SMEs ).
The 29 TACs have come together to declare their belief in the following core principles :
The British Chamber in Singapore joined our fellow Trade Associations and Chambers in pledging our support towards fair hiring and employment practices .
The changing nature of employment and workplaces and equality are intrinsic to our values , highlighted in our Future of Work theme . Most recently , we engaged in direct conversations with the Minister of Manpower following the results of our Manpower Survey and showcased member companies leading the way in this area through a special video . Watch it here : The statement from the Singapore Business Federation and TACs has been covered extensively in the media :
Straits Times Channel News Asia ( online ) Channel News Asia ( broadcast )
Under the aegis of the Singapore Business Federation , 29 Trade Associations and Chambers ( TACs ) under the TAC Alliance joined forces today ( 19 January 2021 ) in a show
• Promote Positive Workplace Relations : Work is a collaboration between employers and employees , and among teams of employees , and diversity of employees is important for businesses . Both employers and employees have a role to play in co-creating a positive workplace environment , where diversity is celebrated and individuals are respected , trained and developed on an equal opportunity basis .
• Practise Fair Hiring : Be committed to fair hiring in compliance with the FCF and TGFEP and hire the best-fit candidate for every job based on merit . Candidates may be qualified employees within the company , external candidates based in Singapore , or international candidates if there are no suitable local candidates . Ensure that there is diversity within the global talent hired , in order to bring the best perspectives , experiences and support for long-term success .
• Provide Development Opportunities : Employers should support the learning and development of employees to acquire relevant attributes and skills , facilitate the transfer of niche or business-critical skills to local employees to develop local talent , and consider suitably qualified current employees when seeking candidates for leadership roles in the company . On their part , employees should actively undertake development opportunities offered by employers , including overseas work assignments to broaden experience and acquire new skills .
The full joint statement and list of supporting TACs are in the Annex A .