It's expected to start at the end of 2027. It makes it unlawful to treat people unfairly at work because of traits like age, nationality, sex, marital status, pregnancy, caregiving duties or disability, from hiring through to dismissal.
Employers with 25 or more employees will also need a written grievance procedure. Smaller firms are exempt for now, but that exemption is due to be reviewed.
Who it covers
The Act's main duties apply to employers with 25 or more employees. Firms below that are exempt for now, and the exemption is to be reviewed within 5 years of the Act starting. TAFEP's fair employment guidelines already apply to every employer in the meantime.
What it protects
The Act lists protected characteristics: age, nationality, sex, marital status, pregnancy, caregiving responsibilities, race, religion, language ability, disability and mental health conditions. It covers decisions before employment (ads, screening, interviews), during it (pay, appraisals, promotion, training) and at the end (dismissal).
There are exceptions, including genuine job requirements, preferring older workers, and prioritising Singapore citizens or permanent residents.
The written grievance procedure
If you have 25 or more employees, you'll need a written process that commits you to:
- looking into each grievance and reviewing it
- telling the person the outcome
- keeping records
- keeping it confidential
Employees have to be told about the process in writing.
What to do now
- Write down why you decide. Keep a short, job-related reason for each hiring, promotion and appraisal decision, made at the time.
- Draft your grievance process early, even if you're under 25 staff.
- Clean up your job ads. See what you can't say in a job ad.
- Check where you stand with TAFEP's free Workplace Fairness self-assessment.
Questions people ask
When does the Workplace Fairness Act take effect?
It is expected to take effect at the end of 2027. An exact date had not been announced as of 3 November 2026.
Does the Workplace Fairness Act apply to small companies?
Its main duties apply to employers with 25 or more employees. Smaller firms are exempt for now, with the exemption to be reviewed within 5 years of the Act starting.
Do I need a grievance procedure under the Workplace Fairness Act?
Employers with 25 or more employees will need a written grievance procedure covering inquiry, review, communicating the outcome, record-keeping and confidentiality.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so follow the links for the latest wording before you act.