Eighteen Chefs chain eatery withdraws staff memo saying teleconsultation MCs disallowed & photo at clinic needed

Local restaurant chain Eighteen Chefs has withdrawn its memo requiring employees to provide photos of the clinic when taking sick leave.

The memo, which was reportedly sent on Mar. 19, had another clause which stated that the company would not accept medical certificates (MCs) derived from teleconsultations.

An employee, Alison, told Shin Min Daily News that she was surprised by the memo and later found that it violated the Employment Act.

The restaurant reportedly withdrew the memo on Mar. 24, after the company's senior management reviewed the policy.

Established in 2007 as a social enterprise by ex-convict Benny Se Teo, Eighteen Chefs said on its website that it aims to “inspire troubled youths and people with conviction backgrounds to find alternative positive ways to reintegrate back into society”.

It has outlets at Clementi Mall, The Star Vista, Seletar Mall and another, which is temporarily closed at Bugis Junction.

Photos at clinic

Alison said she received a notice from the restaurant's management on Mar. 19 via the company's Whatsapp group regarding the taking of sick leave.

The notice stated that employees must provide an MC and attach a photo of themselves at the clinic.

Additionally, the company would not accept MC obtained through teleconsultations.

Employees taking consecutive sick leave must also seek treatment at the same clinic.

The company added that they may not accept MCs from different clinics for the same illness period.

"The company issued a notice suddenly without any prior notice or explanation. We were surprised and felt it was very unfair, which makes us hesitant to take sick leave," Alison said.

She said she then checked the Ministry of Manpower website and found that it violated the Employment Act.

Memo withdrawn

The employees then received another WhatsApp notification from the company on Mar. 24, saying that the company had withdrawn the notice.

However, Alison said the staff were still a little worried.

The restaurant told Shin Min that the notice issued by the human resources department was withdrawn shortly after it attracted the attention of the company's senior management, and that the matter was now closed.

After review, it decided that the policy should not be retained and have "made it clear internally" that they will continue to recognise valid MCs issued by registered practising physicians.

No employee has been disciplined or punished as a result, the company added.

It said it takes feedback seriously and acts smartly to ensure that their actions were "compliant and fair".

"We value our employees and will continue to strive to create a respectful and supportive work environment."

Company policies must comply with employment laws

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) stated that it is aware of the matter and emphasised that company policies must comply with employment laws.

A spokesperson told Mothership that they have contacted the restaurant to remind the company that its policies must comply with the Employment Act.

The company has also withdrawn the notice and is reviewing its internal procedures.

MOM reminded that under the Employment Act, employers must recognise MCs issued by medical and dental practitioners registered under the Medical Registration Act and the Dental Registration Act.

This includes MCs issued through teleconsultation, where telemedicine providers and medical practitioners must ensure that MCs are prescribed and issued on proper medical grounds following good clinical assessment.

“Paid sick leave is a statutory entitlement and employees should be able to take sick leave when they are genuinely ill, while exercising it responsibly,” said the MOM spokesperson.

“Although requesting supporting documents to verify MCs does not contravene the Employment Act, employers should not impose any measures that discourage employees who are ill from obtaining an MC and taking sick leave," they said.

They added that taking MC when ill is important for the well-being of employees and their co-workers.

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