Complaints about nationality-related job discrimination fell 25 per cent in 2014: Dr Amy Khor

The number of complaints on nationality-related discrimination has fallen by 25 per cent from about 310 in 2013 to about 230 in 2014, said Senior Minister of State for Manpower, Dr Amy Khor.

She said that the Ministry of Manpower will not hesitate to take action if an employer is found to have adopted discriminatory practices, citing the case of Prime Gold International.

The maritime firm had its work pass privileges curbed in December last year when they were found to have retrenched Singaporeans, only to fill the positions with foreigners.

For employers with areas for improvement, MOM will work with them to develop an action plan to implement improvements and review progress.

On whether to track the outcomes of Jobs Bank postings and evaluate its effectiveness and the FCF, she said that the Jobs Bank and the FCF "is intended to facilitate a fair hiring process and greater awareness of job vacancies", and "they set clear expectations for employers to consider Singaporeans fairly for job opportunities and enhance job market transparency.

Dr Khor added: "While the government can help them get a fair opportunity to compete for jobs on a merit basis, Singaporeans must still show they are able and competitive to take on the jobs they aspire to."

cynloh@sph.com.sg