Unjust Termination of Employment for Employees Diagnosed with Tuberculosis

64 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Manpower what measures are put in place to protect employees diagnosed with tuberculosis from unjust termination of employment.

Mr Lim Swee Say: Under the Employment Act and the Industrial Relations Act, employees and union members in unionised companies respectively, can appeal to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for reinstatement if they have been unfairly dismissed.

Employees suspected with tuberculosis (TB) should seek treatment early and declare their condition to their employer. This will allow appropriate public health measures to be implemented swiftly and minimise the risk of transmission of TB at the workplace and to the public.

In instances where employees have been diagnosed with TB, employers should treat their employees fairly and with compassion. This will also encourage employees who may have contracted TB, or any other infectious disease, to seek treatment early. Employees, too, should be responsible and adhere to the treatment regime for TB so that they do not suffer a relapse and spread the infection.

According to international guidelines, with treatment, employees with TB can become medically fit for work within two weeks and will not spread the infection to their colleagues or customers at the workplace. Employees who feel they have been unfairly dismissed can approach MOM for assistance.