CNA explainer: when Singapore law bars, and allows, dismissing a pregnant employee

Salaries for political office holders and Members of Parliament will rise by up to 9% from 15 October 2026 — the first change to the framework since 2011, following a review committee appointed in December 2025. The benchmark salary for an entry-level minister (MR4) rises from S$1.1 million to S$1.8 million, an average annual growth…

A 41-year-old Malaysian was sentenced on 22 Oct to six years and one month’s jail and fined S$6,000 for brokering work permit applications so 27 Malaysians could enter Singapore and open bank accounts for a syndicate. His charges included offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, and he has filed an appeal.

With childcare leave now expanded, MOM has set out how it plans to help employers absorb the extra manpower gaps that come with it — announced 10 September 2026. The headline measure: employers get full reimbursement for the duration of child-related leave taken by their staff, intended to offset the cost of bringing in temporary…

MOM said on 24 Oct it is investigating Process Maintenance Solutions and Jurong Technical & Construction over salary arrears owed to migrant workers. It is working with the Migrant Workers’ Centre and TADM to help affected workers with salary claims, accommodation and alternative jobs.

A Singapore tribunal magistrate dismissed a wrongful dismissal claim by a former PR firm managing director, who was fired without notice during her notice period after secretly recording a meeting with company leaders. The magistrate said such a recording could amount to misconduct justifying summary dismissal, but each case depends on its facts.

The National Wages Council’s 2026/2027 guidelines recommend that workers earning up to S$2,800 a month get a 6% to 8% wage increase or at least S$120, with a new category for firms that have not done well and are unprofitable, which should still give at least S$120. The guidelines, accepted by the Government but not mandatory, cover 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2027.