New flexible staff deployment scheme for hospitality industry

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have announced a new initiative that allows hotel and hostel employees to be deployed across different job functions.

In a joint statement, MOM and STB say the pilot programme enables hotels and hostels to deploy their current workforce more efficiently and reduce their reliance on foreign workers.

Called Job Flexibility for Productivity, or JFP, it is meant to improve productivity and raise wages for workers in the longer term.

Starting from 1 October 2012, hotels and hostels that wish to take part in the programme can apply to STB.

Once the application is approved, the participating hotel or hostel can deploy its employees to a maximum of two other job functions.

For instance, during down—time in the food and beverage (F&B) section, a F&B worker in a hotel can be sent to the front desk to help out.

Hotels and hostels in the programme can make such staff deployment for two years from the time of approval.

Both local workers and foreign work permit holders can be deployed this way.

— CNA/xq