Debated in Parliament on 3 Apr 2017.
Assoc Prof Randolph Tan asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether there are schemes targeted for hawker stall operators and their workers to get temporary job placement or training when their hawker centres are closed for extended periods for repairs and renovation works.
Mdm Speaker, as part of the maintenance of hawker centres, cyclical repairs and redecorations (R&R) works are carried out by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or the respective Town Councils every five to seven years. During such works, the centres may be closed for up to three months.
Stallholders who are unable to operate their stalls due to the closure of the centres are usually granted rental remission for the duration of the closure due to the R&R works. Stallholders who wish to take the opportunity to attend training can apply for courses and training grants through SkillsFuture Singapore. Those who wish to explore temporary employment may also visit Workforce Singapore's career centres or its online job matching portal, Jobs Bank, for employment assistance.
NEA will set up a one-stop Information and Service Centre for hawkers in the second half of this year. The centre will, among other services, provide information on training courses on the hawker trade. Hawkers and their hawker assistants who are interested in attending such courses may visit the centre to obtain more information.
PAPERCUTS