Complaints of Ageism in Workplace

Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Manpower whether ageism in the workplace is increasingly becoming a problem.

Senior workers are, and will, continue to be an important part of our workforce, especially as our workforce ages. Employers recognise this. The employment rate of residents aged 55 to 64 has increased from 67.1% in 2017 to 69% in 2021. For those aged 65 to 69, it has increased from 41.7% to 49%. This is comparable to the average of the top three Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Our re-employment rate also remained high, with most employees continuing to work in the same job without any cuts to basic wage and benefits.

The incidence of age discrimination has also fallen. Based on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)'s Fair Employment Practices survey, the proportion of resident job applicants who experienced age discrimination during job search fell from 30.4% in 2018 to 18.9% in 2021. The proportion of resident employees who experienced discrimination during employment due to age is also relatively low, at 4.6% in 2021.

Nonetheless, we are mindful that we must continue to work with our tripartite partners to tackle the issue of age-related discrimination. The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Practices (TAFEP) undertakes various efforts to educate employers and promote fair employment practices, so as to cultivate the right workplace norms and values.

In addition, the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP), requires employers to treat all employees and jobseekers, fairly and objectively. We take enforcement action against employers with discriminatory practices. Looking ahead, we will be enacting workplace fairness legislation. This will send a signal that there is no place for discrimination at the workplace. The legislation will broaden the range of measures and penalties available to address workplace discrimination, including age discrimination.