Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA): Key legislation governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data. For reference letters, ensures protection of employee's personal information, requires consent for data sharing, and mandates accuracy of information provided.
Employment Act (Chapter 91): Primary employment legislation that ensures factual statements about employment period, requires adherence to employment contract terms regarding references, and ensures compliance with contractual obligations for reference provision.
Defamation Act (Chapter 75): Governs statements that could harm reputation, ensuring reference letters avoid defamatory content, maintain truthfulness, and protect against potential libel claims.
Common Law Principles: Legal principles establishing duty of care in providing references, obligation for accuracy, and protection against negligent misstatement in reference letters.
Singapore Contract Law: Ensures compliance with contractual obligations regarding references in employment agreements and separation agreements if applicable.
MOM Guidelines: Ministry of Manpower guidelines establishing best practices for employment references and ensuring compliance with fair employment practices in Singapore.
