Dear Members and Friends

Many of you tell me you are still experiencing unacceptable behaviour from prospective job candidates. The main complaints continue to be people agreeing to attend a job interview but not turning up; and not having the basic human courtesy of informing the hiring company in advance. Even worse, is the now all-too-common practice of people signing a contract of employment and then not turning up for work - again, with no explanation.

With regards to the first complaint, short of charging job seekers an interview fee refunded when they show up for the interview, there's not much companies can do. Arguably, they can take comfort that they are better off without such people.

However, we can all do something about people who sign an employment contract and don't show up for work. We can take appropriate action.

Up until now, companies large and small have tended not to take action against such people because of concerns surrounding their public relations or the costs of legal action or both.

Taking people to court is not the answer. It is far too expensive. The answer, in the Singapore context, is to seek help from our tripartite partners - SNEF, MOM and NTUC. For cases of breach of contract, the tripartite partners could provide businesses with mediation as a cost effective alternative to expensive litigation. This is what I have suggested to MOM and will be sending similar messages to SNEF and NTUC.

As I have said before, work is collaboration between employers and employees. Both have responsibilities and both should be held accountable.

Have a great week ahead.  

With warmest regards
Victor Mills
Chief Executive