One-Stop HR Information Centre

Without the interviewers’ awareness, they might be asking discriminatory questions during an job interview session. Their intention is to find out more about the candidates, however, the following sound discriminatory questions should be avoided:

• What is your religion?

This question is usually asked when the potential candidates are required to work shift / 24 hours on call. The interviewer intends to find out whether the candidates are required to do prayer or willing to sacrifice their prayer time if they are called back to work.

• What is your marital status / Do you have any children?

This question is usually asked to find out how much time could a candidate dedicate to his job / how is the social relationship of a candidate. However, these have nothing to do with the marital status at all. A married candidate doesn’t mean not able to commit to his job, vice versa, as well as a single candidate not necessarily do not know how to socialise.  

• How old are you?

This question is usually asked to find out whether the candidate is "mature". However, age and whether being mature is not really co-related. The candidate shall be tested via non-discriminatory scenario-based questions.

It is alright to have the above questions on the job application form, as they are basic personal information of the candidate. However, it shouldn’t be explore further, or if has to, it should be done in a more careful and professional way.

<Ref. No.>

<Date>

<Name>

<Designation>

<Title>

Salary Reduction

As you are aware, the recent economy downturn has adversely affected the Company. In order to enhance the cash flow position, avoid further losses and possibility of retrenchment, the Management has decided that a salary reduction is absolutely necessary at this time.

Therefore, we regret to inform you that your monthly basic salary will be reduced by <number>% effective <date>.

Meanwhile, the Management will continue to monitor the situation. Your salary will be restored if the economy situation and Company’s performance improves.

Your understanding, support and co-operation to help the Company to go through the current economy situation will be appreciated.

Yours sincerely

<Signatory>

<Designation>

<Department>

***********************************************

ACCEPTANCE

I <name> <IC No.> do hereby acknowledge and accept the contents of this letter.

<Signatory>  

<Date>

In the current economy downturn, there are many companies working on organisation restructuring (including merger and acquisition, cutting off lost-making business units, etc) and manpower restructuring.

If one company is closing down, and the staff is to be absorbed by the associate company (mutually agreed by the staff and the new company), the below template maybe used:

<Ref. No.>

<Date>

<Name>

<Designation>

<Department>

Dear <Name>

Employment - Change of Company

In view of the company’s decision to close down its operations, this is to confirm that you are offered the same position of <position> by <new company> with effect <date>.

We hereby enclose the Letter of Employment from <new company> for your perusal.

Please signify your acceptance of this arrangement by signing and returning the duplicate copy of this letter to the Human Resource Department.

Yours faithfully

<Company Name>

<Signatory>

<Designation>

<Department>

*************************************************

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

I <name> <IC No.> do hereby acknowledge and accept the contents of this letter.

<Signatory>

<Date>