No fraud found in Sumo Salad worker’s injury claim; MOM warns employer over WICA insurance gap

The Skills and Workforce Development Agency has launched three new initiatives for Singapore’s workforce: Connect by SWDA, a one-stop careers and skills touchpoint at the Lifelong Learning Institute; a SkillsFuture AI Subscription giving access to over 200 AI courses; and OurWorkforce, a new one-stop portal for employers to access training and workforce transformation resources. PM Lawrence Wong launched the initiatives at the opening of SkillsFuture Festival 2026, which runs from 16 September to 28 October.

In a written parliamentary reply, MOM said TAFEP received 59 workplace harassment complaints in 2025, and that fewer than 5% of employers asked to carry out an independent investigation did not do so; those employers were issued advisories. Under the Workplace Fairness Act, due to take effect by end-2027, employers will have to set up grievance-handling processes and investigate harassment and discrimination grievances.

Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau told Parliament that about 88% of employers that filed Mandatory Retrenchment Notifications in 2025 paid retrenchment benefits, and close to 80% of retrenched workers who did not receive them came from firms with fewer than 200 employees. Tripartite partners are studying retrenchment benefit payments and earlier job-matching support as part of the ongoing Employment Act review, and MOM will work on clearer guidance on disguised retrenchments.

Peter Seah is stepping down as Chairman of the National Wages Council after more than a decade in the role. Hsieh Fu Hua, currently NWC Deputy Chairman, will succeed him with effect from 19 August 2026. Seah requested to relinquish the position for personal reasons, and the Ministry of Manpower approved the request. He chaired…