Key takeaways
- Employees hired for 14 days or more must get their Key Employment Terms in writing.
- Issue them within 14 days of the employee's first day of work.
- MOM lists 18 items, from job title and working hours to leave, probation and notice period.
- KETs can be in a contract, an offer letter, a handbook or on an intranet, in soft or hard copy.
Who must receive written KETs
Since 1 April 2016, employers must give written Key Employment Terms (KETs) to employees covered by the Employment Act who are employed for 14 days or more. The KETs must be issued within 14 days of the employee's first day of work.
The 18 items MOM lists
| # | Key Employment Term |
|---|---|
| 1 | Employer's full name |
| 2 | Employee's full name |
| 3 | Job title, main duties and responsibilities |
| 4 | Start date of employment |
| 5 | Duration of employment (for fixed-term contracts) |
| 6 | Working arrangements: daily working hours, number of working days a week, and rest day |
| 7 | Salary period |
| 8 | Basic salary (or basic rate of pay) |
| 9 | Fixed allowances |
| 10 | Fixed deductions |
| 11 | Overtime payment period (if different from the salary period) |
| 12 | Overtime rate of pay |
| 13 | Other salary-related components, such as bonuses and incentives |
| 14 | Types of leave: annual, outpatient sick and hospitalisation, maternity, paternity, childcare and others |
| 15 | Other medical benefits, such as insurance or medical and dental benefits |
| 16 | Probation period |
| 17 | Notice period |
| 18 | Place of work (optional, but encouraged if it differs from the employer's address) |
Source: Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
If an item doesn't apply, such as overtime for a manager, you can leave it out. MOM also publishes a KETs template with extra fields, such as the specific rest day and the actual payment dates.
Format
KETs can be given in soft or hard copy, in an employment contract, offer letter, staff handbook, intranet or circulars. Terms common to all staff, such as leave policies, can sit in the handbook, as long as the employee can see them.
Why KETs matter in practice
- Payroll needs them. Basic salary, fixed allowances and deductions, the salary period and the overtime rate drive every payslip.
- They prevent disputes. Clear notice periods, probation and leave terms make resignations and salary claims simpler to settle.
- They're checked. Failing to issue KETs can lead to an administrative penalty. MOM has stated fines of up to $200 for each breach.
Keeping records
MOM requires employers to keep employee records for the latest 2 years for current staff, and for 1 year after an employee leaves. Keep a copy of each employee's KETs with their records.
Looking ahead: the Workplace Fairness Act
The Workplace Fairness Act will make it illegal to discriminate in employment decisions, including hiring, on grounds such as age, nationality, sex, race, religion and disability. MOM aims for it to take effect at the end of 2027. Reviewing job ads, offer letters and KETs before then is a sensible step.
HRKaki Payroll & HR
Store each employee's KETs and documents in HRKaki, and the salary, allowance and overtime terms flow straight into payroll.
Frequently asked questions
Are written Key Employment Terms compulsory?
Yes, for employees covered by the Employment Act who are employed for 14 days or more.
When must KETs be issued?
Within 14 days of the employee's first day of work.
What must KETs include?
MOM lists 18 items, including job title and duties, start date, working hours and rest day, salary period, basic salary, fixed allowances and deductions, overtime rate, leave, medical benefits, probation and notice period.
When does the Workplace Fairness Act take effect?
MOM aims for it to take effect at the end of 2027.
Sources
Information sourced from
Figures and rules in this article come from the official sources listed below, checked on 13 October 2026. Avelogic is not affiliated with these agencies. For the authoritative and latest position, refer to the agency directly.
- MOM: WorkRight guide to employment laws (PDF)
- MOM: Key Employment Terms template with descriptions (PDF)
- MOM FAQ: Why written KETs are due within 14 days
- MOM: Parliamentary reply on employment contracts (2018)
- MOM: Employment records
- MOM press release: Workplace Fairness (Dispute Resolution) Bill
This guide is general information based on official sources at the date shown, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check the CPF Board, IRAS, MOM or MOE for the latest position.