I refer to Singapore Announces Tighter Rules Hiring. [Link]
Although there is some initial cheer for MOM's tough stand against discriminatory hiring practices, it may unlikely be able to punish or penalise errant employers unless it sets up a special force to entrap and fine/ jail these employers.
Common sense will tell you that employers can find many excuses to bypass the law.
For example, employers can re-advertise and say that job applicants are not willing to accept their salaries or they can't find someone suitable without disclosing real reasons to MOM.
This practice also happened in public sector. For example, there was this job advertisement from Attorney Chambers Office Legal Executive. This advertisement has been re-advertising again and again. One of my friend who attended the interview said that the HR file was very thick (meaning, she photocopied many job applicants) but a month later, the same advertisement re-appeared again.
Obviously, employers and HR has every right not to tell the job applicant for its rejection. What makes MOM think it can compel employers to tell them the real reasons unless it is a Court order?
And how will MOM get to enforce this? Remember, there are thousands of advertisements every day. How will MOM monitor this closely?
And even if they rely on members of public to blow the whistle, what can be done? At most, MOM will just issue a warning letter. Remember, this is just a rule and guidelines. Employers will hardly care until it is gazetted legislation.
To fine and jail an employer will be a very lengthy process which will encompass the Labour Court.
Last but not least, why must implement it only Aug 2014? Can't it be this year, just like the speed of how MDA tried to get their licensing social media Act gazetted quickly this year?
If they implement it earlier this year, many swing voters may still give PAP a chance. Implementing it only next year may piss swing voters off.
CJ
TRS Contributor