Recent Trends and Main Concerns of Re-employment Disputes

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo asked the Minister for Manpower what is the number of cases and trend of re-employment disputes over the last three years and what were the main issues.

MOM attended to about 60 re-employment disputes annually between 2016 and 2018. The extension of the re-employment age from 65 to 67 in 2017 made more workers eligible. This, together with heightened awareness on re-employment rights and obligations, may explain the recent uptick of disputes. Nonetheless, the number of re-employment disputes remains very small relative to the number of employees aged 60 to 69 years1 – with fewer than one in 3,000 employees filing reports with MOM.

The disputes were mainly over whether employees met the performance criteria or the medical fitness required for re-employment or dissatisfaction with the re-employment terms offered. Close to 70% of the cases handled by MOM were resolved through mediation, with the remaining mostly withdrawn. About four cases each year proceed to adjudication.

The tripartite partners are committed to achieving productive longevity in Singapore. Even as our workforce ages, it can remain competitive and adaptable. While employees need to have the right mindset and be willing to pick up new skills to adapt to the changing environment, employers should redesign jobs and provide the necessary training to their older workers. This will minimise re-employment disputes and ensure that older workers continue to thrive in the future economy.