Latest news with #employer
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- General
- Independent Singapore
Maid says, ‘I get irritated when my male employer wears just boxers around me; he should wear proper sleeping clothes or shorts instead'
SINGAPORE: In a refreshingly candid and hilariously uncomfortable post in the domestic helper community, one brave helper has spoken up about something many probably suffer in silence — the dangling discomfort of male bosses in boxers. 'Dear employer, I don't know if I'm the only one who has experienced this,' she began, hinting that the following confession wasn't for the faint of heart. She then dropped the bomb: 'My boss is a man and has one child. Every morning I wake them up. I get irritated when I turn on the light because my boss doesn't even wear proper shorts.' That sounds tolerable—until it wasn't. 'He always wears boxers, and I can see his private parts.' Apparently, this is not a one-time peekaboo incident. According to the post, the male employer has made a casual habit of lounging around the house in his boxers — no modesty, no coverage, and no care in the world. The helper continues, 'Sometimes he sits in the living room with his legs raised, and his private parts are out.' Cue the collective cringe. The maid ended her plea with an earnest suggestion to fellow employers: 'I just want to remind our madams here that you should make your husband wear proper shorts.' The response from the Facebook group… well, let's just say it was a mix of solidarity and comic relief. The post was flooded with 'Haha' reactions, with expressions echoing agreement. However, underneath the laughter lies a real issue: basic decency in shared domestic spaces. Helpers — mostly women — live under the same roof as their employers, and while they may be there for work, they still deserve a respectful and dignified environment. Walking around the house dressed as if you're in a men's locker room does not create a healthy professional setting for anyone. The post has sparked a broader, if still whispered, conversation: Should there be guidelines for employers on home attire, especially when domestic workers live in the same space? While there are clear Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations regarding wages, rest days, and accommodations, we could not find an official dress code for employers who employ a domestic helper in their homes, so perhaps it's time we at least had an unspoken rule: 'If you wouldn't wear it in front of your in-laws, don't wear it in front of your helper.' It's worth noting that the helper wasn't being malicious or trying to shame her employer. Her tone remained respectful, albeit clearly frustrated. Her post struck a chord because it highlighted a reality that many might be too embarrassed to talk about, but clearly deal with in silence. In a culture where modesty and respect often go hand in hand, this helper's plea was more than a humorous rant. It was a call for common sense, decency, and a little effort to create a less awkward, more professional home environment. So, to all the madams reading this: you may want to add 'proper shorts for your husband' to your next NTUC grocery list. Because no one should have to start their workday with someone else's anatomy as their morning greeting.
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Independent Singapore
Employer discovers maid threw household items out the window, asks if incident can be reported to police
SINGAPORE: An employer was shocked after discovering through CCTV footage that her domestic helper had thrown household items out of a window. She shared the incident in the 'MDW in Singapore' Facebook group on Sunday (Jul 27), explaining that she had been trying to locate several items that had mysteriously gone missing from her home. Although the items were not particularly expensive, she emphasised that they were essential to her family's daily routine and that replacing them had been both inconvenient and frustrating. She said she had questioned the helper multiple times about the missing items, hoping for an explanation or even a clue as to where they might have gone. However, each time, the helper insisted she had no knowledge of them. Suspecting something was amiss, the employer reviewed the CCTV recordings and was disturbed by what she saw. 'I was shocked to see that she threw it away at the window. She did it in a careful manner…to appear like she was just staring out of the window…but CCTV still captured everything when she touched it and pushed it out of the window,' the employer explained. She added that the incident was especially unexpected, as the helper had always come across as 'respectful, frail-looking, mild-mannered, and cheerful.' 'We really need to be vigilant and not let looks deceive us,' she wrote. The employer also shared that the incident occurred shortly after the family had attempted to make peace with the helper following a prior disagreement. 'There was a misunderstanding with her a few days ago… But we even took the first step to make it right with her even if it's not entirely our fault. We even prayed for her and shared something about God with her, and this incident (throwing away the things) happened like 30 mins after the prayer… Which is so odd…' Seeking advice from the community, she asked whether the incident could be reported to the police. 'Can this be reported to police? So far, I have not decided to take action, and it is unlikely for me to do so… However, it's good to know my options in case this happens again…. because the item thrown is not expensive (quite cheap), but money is still money,' she said. 'If I report to police…I don't even know if this is too simple to be reported…and maybe they will find me a nuisance…' 'Please take action and don't give a chance.' Other employers who responded to the post shared similar experiences with their own domestic helpers and encouraged her to consider finding a replacement. One wrote, 'I had some previous helpers who did similar. Throw wanted good things away purposely. It's like their way of being vindictive. I've learnt over the years that such behaviour is a huge red flag. Crime usually only escalates. Believe that they are the person that they show you.' Another commented, 'Please take action and don't give a chance. If you let her off, she'll just do it again, if not to you, then her next employer.' A third added, 'Throwing things out like that is spiteful, not innocent. Some people hide behind a sweet face, but actions don't lie. You have every right to protect your home. Don't second-guess that.' On the other hand, some others suggested that if the employer still wished to continue the working relationship, she should have an open and honest conversation with the helper. One said, 'If you like her and still want her around, you must sit her down to chat with the CCTV evidence. Explain to her that this will be the first and last conversation you'll have with her about it, and if it happens again, she will be fired.' How to handle a dispute with your domestic helper The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) recommends that employers take the following steps when dealing with a dispute or misunderstanding: Communicate your issues. Instead of reacting out of anger or ignoring the problem, take the time to sit down with your helper in a quiet setting. Have an open and honest conversation. Allow her to share her side of the story without interruption, and try to listen with an open mind. At the same time, explain your concerns clearly and respectfully so she understands where you are coming from. Reach out for help. If having an honest conversation doesn't help settle things, you can reach out to your employment agency (EA) for support. If the issue still isn't resolved, groups like the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore) or the Centre for Domestic Employees are also there to offer guidance. Report the incident. If you suspect your helper has committed a criminal offence, report the matter to the authorities. Employers are advised not to take matters into their own hands. Read also: 'I never even thought of running away' — Maid upset after employer refuses to give her a two-month salary advance of S$1.2k
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How to change visit visa to residency permit after receiving job offer?
Question: I am currently in the UAE on a visit visa and actively looking for employment in the country. A company has extended a job offer, which I am happy to accept. What are the next steps? Can I start working on a visit visa immediately after receiving the offer, or must I wait until my work visa is issued? Could you please explain how this process works and what legal requirements I need to fulfil before beginning employment? Answer: An employer in the UAE cannot employ an individual without obtaining a valid work permit. This is under Article 6(1) of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, which states "No work may be performed in the UAE, and no employee may be recruited or employed by any employer without obtaining the work permit from the Ministry (of Human Resources and Emiratisation), by the provisions of this Decree-Law and its Executive Regulations." Furthermore, an expatriate should not engage in any employment without a valid work permit and UAE residency visa. This is in accordance with Article 5(4) of the Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 Regarding Entry and Residence of Foreigners, which states, "An alien is obligated not to engage in any activity or work except by the legislation in force in the State." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Based on the type of work, an employer and an employee may mutually agree to obtain a work permit as stipulated by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE). The type of work permit may include, but is not limited to, full-time work permit, part-time work permit, temporary work permit, freelance work permit, as mentioned in Article 6 of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relations. In the event that an employer employs an individual without a valid work permit and UAE residency visa, it may be penalised with a fine of up to Dh100,000. This is under Article 1 of the Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2024, revising some provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Concerning Employment Relations, which states related to the amendment of Article 60(1)(a) of the Employment Law. The said law reads as follows: 'Individuals who commit the following violations shall be fined a minimum of Dh100,000 dirhams and a maximum of Dh1 million: Employment of an employee without obtaining a work permit.' Based on the aforementioned provisions of law, you should not work while you are on a visit visa in the UAE. Instead, you may request your prospective employer to obtain a work permit and UAE residency visa. Your prospective employer should apply for a work permit with MoHRE and an entry permit related to UAE residency. Once the work permit is issued, your prospective employer should make necessary arrangements to change your UAE residency visa status from visit to resident.
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- General
- Independent Singapore
‘All I hear is shouting, bullying, and verbal abuse' — Helper says she's been mistreated since day one
SINGAPORE: A domestic helper has taken to social media to share her distressing experience working for a Singaporean family, claiming that she has been subjected to 'shouting, bullying and verbal abuse' since the day she arrived. In her post on the Direct Hire Transfer Singapore Maid / Domestic Helper Facebook group, the helper said she was hired about two months ago and was initially hopeful about the job. 'When she [my employer] interviewed me, she kept texting me to come and join her family,' she wrote. 'At that time, [I had two other potential] employers, but it wasn't urgent, so I thought she liked me because she hoped I could join them.' Unfortunately, things took a turn the moment she stepped into the household. 'From the first day I came to this house, all I hear is shouting, bullying and verbal abuse. Honestly, I just want to work, save money, and go home. No play or anything else,' she said. She added that more recently, her employer suddenly told her, 'I don't like you,' which left her confused and upset. 'If she didn't like me, why did she keep asking me to come?' she asked. 'I can't take this, and I asked her to send me back to my hometown. Employers, can you help me with this situation? What should I do? Why is [she] like this?' 'This is already mental abuse.' In the comments, one netizen encouraged the helper to try having an open and respectful conversation with her employer to understand the root of the problem. 'Have you tried to ask your employer why she is not happy with you so you can work on it? Sometimes, maybe she is stressed at work and takes it out on you. But if you check in with her like, 'Is there anything I can do better or improve?' maybe she will realise that she is lashing out at you a lot.' Building on this, another netizen recommended that the helper consider requesting a transfer to a different employer rather than immediately asking to return home. 'What was the situation that led to her saying she doesn't like you? Might be better to ask her (or any family member who can make decisions) for a transfer because sending you back to your hometown costs her a ticket, and she might not want to pay also.' Meanwhile, a third commenter urged the helper to prioritise her well-being, writing, 'This is already mental abuse!!! It's better to go home first, take a breath, [rest] for a while, and then apply for new jobs through an agency. Hopefully, you'll get a good employer.' Help for abused FDWs As stated on the A.C.T Against Violence website, foreign domestic workers who are experiencing abuse, whether verbal, physical or in the form of labour exploitation, may report the matter to the police or call the FDW Helpline on 1800 339 5505 to speak with an officer from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). See also Maid made to work while standing for 17 hours They may also reach out to non-governmental organisations such as the Humanitarian Organisation for Migrant Economics (HOME), the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE), and the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST). Read also: Fresh grad whose salary expectation is only S$2.8k–3k says he's still struggling to land a job
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘I'm with HR on this' people shame woman who said to be fired 1 hour after starting new job for ‘inappropriate outfit'
A WOMAN has claimed she was sacked just one hour after starting her new job, as the HR deemed the outfit ''inappropriate''. Kickstarting a new career is always exciting - but unfortunately for one woman, Karishma, the joys didn't last too long. 2 2 According to the beauty lover, from London, her new employment lasted just one hour - as she was sacked 60 minutes after arriving. The young woman claimed that it was all because of her outfit, which the HR at the company allegedly had an issue with. Fuming, she took to Instagram where she showed off the clothing she was wearing - however, thousands of social media users seemed to agree with the employer. Karishma allegedly arrived at her new job wearing a figure-hugging mini skirt with a high slit, which she had paired with almost sheer tights and chunky boots. The outfit also included a cosy cropped knitted cardigan in a similar colour scheme, which featured a low-cut neckline. Sharing the alleged incident to her 303k followers online, Karishma said: ''She doesn't know it yet but in one hour she's about to get fired by HR for her 'inappropriate and distracting' work outfit'. '' Luckily, while it may have been brutal at the time, it seems that the young woman used the incident to truly focus on her ''dream''. Karishma went on in the caption: ''If I don't get fired I would never have started working on my dream - literally there is no bigger proof than this when I say everything happens for a reason.'' The now-viral video has since taken the internet by storm, amassing more than an astronomical 5.2million views and over 32,000 likes. Thousands of internet users flooded to comments where many agreed on one thing - the outfit was indeed not fit for work, they thought. I'm mad after being told to 'cover up' in the pub garden at Spoons One person said: ''Baby you're in a short shirt skirt and a crop top HR is right.'' Someone else chimed in: ''I'm with the HR on this one.'' A third commented: ''inappropriate and unprofessional for a work setting. freelancer or not. Can you be dress coded for wearing crop tops in public? The concept of being "dress coded" typically applies to specific environments such as schools, workplaces, or certain establishments where dress codes are enforced to maintain a particular standard or atmosphere. In public spaces, however, the situation is generally more relaxed and governed by societal norms rather than strict rules. That said, whether or not you can be dress coded for wearing a crop top in public largely depends on the context and location: Public Spaces: In most public spaces, like parks, streets, and beaches, wearing a crop top is generally acceptable and unlikely to result in any formal repercussions. People have the freedom to dress as they choose, provided they adhere to basic standards of decency and local laws. Establishments and Venues: Some restaurants, shops, or clubs may have their own dress codes. It's possible that a crop top might not meet the dress requirements for more formal venues. In such cases, staff may politely request that you adhere to their dress code or deny entry. Schools and Workplaces: Educational institutions and workplaces often have dress codes in place. Crop tops may be considered inappropriate in these settings, and you could be asked to change into more suitable attire. Cultural and Regional Considerations: In certain cultures or regions, norms and expectations around acceptable clothing can vary widely. It's always a good idea to be aware of and respect local customs and dress codes when travelling. ''This is a get coffee with the girls fit.'' A professional shared their view, writing: ''HR Director here. Girly pop you are so cute, the outfit looks fab on you. ''I do agree with the HR team that it's not work appropriate though. ''Freelance contractor or not, they DO have jurisdiction over the dress code for all people 'employed' by the company, regardless of your status as a full employee or not. ''Similar to how a business can require customers to wear shirts and shoes while on the premises.''
