Employees who May Require Regular Testing under New “Vaccinate or Regular Test” Regime
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the "Vaccinate or Regular Test" (VoRT) regime, specifically the number of affected employees and the apportionment of costs for antigen rapid testing. Mr Alex Yam asked for the estimated number of workers subject to regular testing and sought clarification on cost-bearing responsibilities and legal protections. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng stated that approximately 90% of the workforce was vaccinated by September 2021 and that unvaccinated workers might bear additional test costs. He encouraged employers to engage employees on cost arrangements and noted that the Ministry of Manpower provides advice and assistance for any resulting disputes. The response also directed companies to the tripartite advisory issued on 23 August for further guidance on implementing the regime and managing workplace disagreements.
Transcript
77 Mr Alex Yam asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the estimated number of employees who are likely to require regular testing under the new "Vaccinate or Regular Test" regime; (b) who will bear the costs of the twice weekly antigen rapid test; and (c) whether there will be any legal protection afforded to employers or employees in the event of a disagreement on the apportionment of costs for such testing and, if so, what are these protections.
Dr Tan See Leng: Under the Vaccinate or Regular Test (VoRT) regime, unvaccinated employees will need to undergo more frequent testing compared to vaccinated employees. This would help pick up possible infections so that they can be treated early and mitigate the risk of transmission to their colleagues and the public. As at 8 September 2021, about 90% of our workforce has already completed the full vaccination regime and we encourage medically eligible employees who are not vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.
Under the VoRT regime, medically eligible but unvaccinated employees may be required by their employers to pay for any antigen rapid test that is in addition to that required for vaccinated employees, if any.
Employers are encouraged to engage employees on the importance of being vaccinated and clarify the cost arrangements for test kits for those who are medically eligible but not vaccinated. In the event of a dispute, employers and employees are advised to approach MOM for advice and assistance. The Member may also refer to the Advisory on COVID-19 Vaccination at the Workplace, which was issued by the tripartite partners on 23 August for more details on how companies can implement the VoRT regime.