Eighteen Chefs withdraws staff memo on rejecting teleconsult MCs, requiring photo at clinic after Stomper raises alarm
Restaurant chain Eighteen Chefs has withdrawn a memo “with immediate effect” after it contained sick-leave policies believed to go against Ministry of Manpower (MOM) laws.
One clause in the March 19 memo stated that the company would not accept medical certificates (MCs) from teleconsultation clinics — which does not comply with the Employment Act.
Stomper Alison, who identified herself as an employee, was one of those who had received the memo “from management” about the company’s MC submission policy. Staff were informed that:
- Those on sick leave are required to submit a photo of themselves at the clinic, on top of a valid MC
- The company would only recognise MCs from “physical, in-person consultations at clinics”
- MCs from teleconsultation services will not be accepted
- Staff are required to return to and obtain a valid MC from the same clinic for consecutive sick leaves
“All staff are expected to comply with the above requirements. Failure to do so may result in the MC being deemed invalid,” the memo stated.
According to Alison, the memo was distributed via each outlet’s WhatsApp group chats on March 19, and were to take place with immediate effect.
“There was no reason nor rationale given to us, and I find this unfair for us employees,” Alison said.
“To find out it is against the Employment Act left us aghast.”
According to the Employment Act, employers must recognise MCs issued by a medical practitioner registered under the Medical Registration Act or Dental Registration Act. This includes MCs issued through teleconsultation.
Alison said she does not know if any of her peers had reported the memo to MOM because they were afraid of “repercussions”. She also said that the memo had made them “think twice” about calling in sick, as they were worried about being terminated.
Founded in 2007 by ex-convict Benny Se Teo, Eighteen Chefs aims to “inspire troubled youths and people with conviction backgrounds to find alternative positive ways to reintegrate back into society.”
It currently operates four outlets islandwide: Clementi Mall, The Star Vista, Seletar Mall and Bugis Junction.
Memo no longer applies: Eighteen Chefs
In response to Stomp’s queries, Eighteen Chefs said on March 24 that the memo has been withdrawn “with immediate effect” and “no longer applies”.
It reiterated that the company recognises valid MCs issued by registered medical practitioners, including those obtained through teleconsultation.
“Where necessary, the company may request reasonable supporting information for verification purposes, particularly in situations where repeated last-minute absences significantly affect outlet operations,” the company added.
The company is reviewing its internal guidelines and says it is committed to “fair employment practices while ensuring operational continuity across its outlets.”
Alison confirmed that employees have received a similar message in their WhatsApp groups, though she said it was not clear who employees could reach out to with their concerns.
MOM engaging with company
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) told Stomp on March 30 that it is aware of the memo circulated by Eighteen Chefs regarding its sick leave policy.
“MOM has engaged the company to remind them that company policies must comply with the Employment Act. The company has withdrawn the memo and is reviewing their internal guidelines,” said the spokesperson.
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 a MC and taking sick leave,” the spokesperson added.
“Taking MC when ill is important for the well-being of employees and their co-workers.”
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