SINGAPORE: A recent graduate is seeking advice on social media regarding a job offer that, while presenting a pay package above the average salary, comes without any essential employee benefits such as Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, medical leave (MC), or annual leave (AL).

On the Reddit forum r/askSingapore, the fresh grad expressed his concerns: "I know this might be illegal, but I've looked into it, and they circumvent the law by framing the contract as a 'contract for service' rather than a traditional employment contract." He explained that the terms of the contract focus on deliverables instead of working hours, which has left him feeling uncertain about the implications.

This graduate noted that the company is a reputable name in the industry, and affiliation with them could bolster his resume for better future job opportunities. "The job scope fits my skills well, and I feel that I could excel in the role," he mentioned, emphasizing the attractiveness of the position.

However, the lack of standard employee benefits has him hesitant. Furthermore, he has concerns regarding an unpaid training session mandated before he starts in February, which adds another layer of uncertainty to his decision-making process.

“I’m torn on whether to accept the offer,” he shared. "I might say yes initially, but if a better opportunity comes up before February, I’d want to explore that," raising worry about how that might appear to the prospective employer.

Responses from the online community ranged from cautious to encouraging. A few users highlighted the need for vigilance against potential scams targeting inexperienced graduates. Comments like, “Be careful—don’t share personal identification details too freely, and ensure the job isn’t an MLM scheme," echoed throughout the discussion.

Conversely, other Redditors offered insights about the legitimacy of the offer, pointing out that the arrangement indicates the company intends to hire him as an independent contractor rather than a traditional employee. "This means you’ll essentially be freelancing, and won’t have the same protections or benefits," one Redditor clarified, highlighting the contractual distinctions.

For context, the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) outlines that a "contract for service" pertains to agreements made with independent contractors or freelancers who are compensated based on the completion of a specific task rather than standard employee benefits. As a result, these contractors typically lack the legal protections offered to full-time employees, including those related to working hours, overtime, and various leave entitlements.

As new graduates navigate the job market, this incident serves as a crucial reminder to thoroughly evaluate job offers, especially those that appear unusually beneficial while lacking foundational employee protections. The conversation reveals the complexity of employment terminology and the importance of understanding one's rights as an employee or contractor in Singapore’s labor landscape.