Here is a wrap-up of the key issues brought up by our Labour Members of Parliament (MP) during a sitting on 2 October 2017.
A Boost for Freelancers, Self-Employed
Here is some good news for the self-employed and freelancers.
Parliament has approved changes to the Income Tax Bill 2017 which aims to encourage employers to make voluntary contributions to the Medisave accounts of these workers and enjoy tax deductions.
From 1 January 2018, the Government will raise the maximum amount that an employer can voluntarily contribute to an employee’s Medisave account under the Additional Medisave Contribution Scheme.
Speaking during the debate on the Bill, NTUC’s Nominated MP K Thanaletchimi said: “One of the several concerns that the Labour Movement has about freelancers who are on contract for services is the long-term savings adequacy of these individuals especially for their medical care and retirement. This amendment is timely as it will encourage self-employed professionals like taxi drivers, insurance agents and freelancers build up their Medisave”.
Ms Thanaletchimi added that this in turn will help the workers build better safeguards for future healthcare costs.
Future-Ready Security Officers
Also passed in the House was the new Infrastructure Protection Bill aimed at stepping up security for key buildings and places with high human traffic to counter threats and keep Singapore safe and secure.
Speaking on the Bill, Labour MP Melvin Yong said introducing advanced technologies will mean that existing security officers must upgrade and upskill themselves to remain relevant.
“I would like to propose a review of the mandatory training modules under the Progressive Wage Model so that security officers are better equipped to handle the new technologies,” said Mr Yong.
Also speaking up was Labour MP Zainal Sapari, who highlighted the need to have better working conditions to attract more workers into the private security industry.
“Currently, the security industry is plagued by issues such as long working hours, lack of proper rest areas and basic employment statutory benefits. Aggravating these further are the actions of some managing agents to ask security officers to do non-security related duties. Unless a decisive effort is made to improve working conditions, it will be difficult to attract younger workers into the industry”, explained Mr Sapari.
