SINGAPORE: Security firm Certis has agreed to cease requiring its officers on medical leave to share their live location when they are not at home, following a dialogue with the Union of Security Employees (USE).
According to a statement issued by USE on 1 July 2025, the union clarified that Certis, which is unionised under USE, has committed to ending the practice and confirmed there will be no live tracking of officers on medical leave.
This development follows a recent meeting between the union and Certis management aimed at reviewing the company’s medical leave policies.
USE highlighted that it had received concerns from members about requests for officers on medical leave to disclose their real-time location via digital tools if they were not resting at home.
“Officers should use their medical leave to rest. We do not condone any abuse of medical leave, as such behaviour undermines trust and affects the well-being of fellow officers,” said USE executive secretary Shirley Loo.
Certis issued a statement on the same day, reiterating that its sick leave policy was implemented to address misuse rather than punish employees.
A spokesperson stated that the policy was meant to ensure fairness and operational readiness, particularly in a tight labour market where hiring and retaining officers remains a challenge.
“The policy helps address rostering challenges and mitigate manpower shortages, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our stakeholders,” the spokesperson explained.
Policy applies to frontline officers only
The firm clarified that the policy applies exclusively to its frontline officers, and that care visits to employees on extended or frequent medical leave were conducted only under compelling circumstances.
“These visits can take place at the officers’ homes or at hospitals, and are intended to support the officers’ needs and assist in manpower planning,” the statement said.
Certis also noted that most care visits are well received by officers who are genuinely unwell.
However, the company did acknowledge instances where the policy had been misused.
“In a small number of cases, individuals have taken medical leave to travel overseas, which is irresponsible and places unfair burdens on colleagues covering additional shifts,” the spokesperson said.
Certis denies staff terminations over policy breaches, cites fair process
Recent public reports and social media commentary raised concerns about potential terminations linked to non-compliance with the company’s leave policies.
In response, Certis firmly denied terminating any staff solely for policy non-compliance.
“Termination decisions are only made in cases of serious misconduct, such as proven malingering, and always after a thorough and fair process,” the company stated.
As part of their agreement, USE and Certis will begin co-organising monthly engagement sessions with frontline officers to promote dialogue and transparency.
These sessions aim to ensure clearer communication of company policies and to allow officers to raise concerns directly with management.
USE also said it is in discussions with Certis to improve internal communications overall so that policies are well understood and concerns can be addressed proactively.
Certis concluded its statement by acknowledging the physically demanding nature of frontline roles and reaffirmed its appreciation for the efforts of its officers.
“We deeply value the efforts of our officers on the ground and recognise the importance of supporting their health and well-being,” the spokesperson added.
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