Singapore Enforce Stringent Licence For All General Cleaning Business

With the Environmental Public Health (EPH) Amendment Bill coming into force on 1st April 2014, the cleaning businesses are to submit their applications for cleaning business licence.

From 1st September 2014, general cleaning businesses found operating without a valid licence will be liable to a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or up to 12 month's imprisonment, and S$1,000 every day for continuing offences.

The deadline was on 1st September 2014 where all general cleaning businesses in Singapore would need to obtain the licence even if these services were just part of their overall business. While National Environment Agency (NEA) are strongly encouraging applications submission with necessary documents to be done by 15 July 2014 in order for these business to obtain the licence without delay.

MORE PROTECTION FOR CLEANERS

License cleaning business found to be in breach of licensing conditions may also face a maximum financial penalty of S$5,000, including the risk having their licences suspended or revoked.

This move by the government is to ensure that cleaners are receiving wages that commensurate with their skills, training and productivity which an estimated 55,000 resident cleaners will benefit from the scheme. Through the new licensing scheme, the aim is to raise productivity, professionalism and service standards of the cleaning industry.

While the Commissioner of Labour has fully adopted the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners' (TCC), recommending starting basic wages for resident cleaners. Licenced cleaning companies from 1st April 2014 would have to submit progressive wage plan for resident cleaners and specify basic wages no less than those indicated under the progressive wage model (PWM). While these cleaning businesses would also have to provide their cleaners with pay slips and employment contracts that state wages in accordance with their submitted progressive wage plan.

ENSURE QUALITY CLEANING SERVICES PROVIDED TO SERVICE BUYERS.

Risk being fined up to S$10,000 and S$1,000 every day for engaging unlicensed cleaning businesses. 

While on the other hand, consumers can look forward for a more reliable and better quality cleaning services by these general cleaning contractors while service buyers / consumers must also ensure that their cleaning service providers are licensed or they might be fined.