Prior to 1942, labour matters were under the purview of the labour department which administered over labourers other than Chinese or Japanese, and the Chinese Secretariat which dealt with matters pertaining to the Chinese. In 1946, the system was changed with the establishment of a unified labour department dealing with all labour matters irrespective of race. With the formation of the government ministries in 1955, the labour department came under the directive of the Ministry of Labour and Welfare.
The role of the Ministry of Labour is responsible for promoting stable and peaceful industrial relations, safeguarding workers' safety and welfare and fostering a disciplined and productive workforce. The Ministry comprises of four divisions namely, Labour Relations Division, Labour Welfare Division, Labour Policy Division and Corporate Services Division.
The Ministry of Labour was renamed the Ministry of Manpower in 1998 to reflect its expanded and dynamic role in the 21st century
