Age Discrimination in Workplace Practices

Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Acting Minister for Manpower in view of the perception amongst some older workers in Singapore that they face discrimination from employers due to their age, what is the Ministry doing in order to determine and quantify the nature of the problem, specifically in whether and to what extent older workers suffer from discrimination in areas such as hiring, wages and salary and discrimination in the workplace.

The employment situation for older workers has improved significantly over the last 10 years. The employment rate of older residents aged 55 to 64 rose from 45.2% in 2003 to a new high of 64% in 2012 – comparable to other advanced economies. This is mainly attributed to the tight labour market and measures to improve the employability of older residents, such as the successful implementation of the re-employment legislation. There is also a growing recognition that older Singaporeans can continue to make valuable contributions at the workplace.

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To address discrimination faced by older Singaporean workers, MOM has been working closely with employers and the unions in bringing about the adoption of fair, responsible and merit-based employment through the work of the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices or TAFEP. Recognising that the key to dealing with workplace discrimination lies in changing the mindsets of employers, TAFEP takes a moral suasion approach to encourage fair employment practices. TAFEP also conducts research with employers, employees, job seekers and co-workers to understand and find better ways to overcome the employment hurdles faced by older Singaporeans. Such publications are made available to the public.

From time to time, age-related discrimination complaints, mostly from older jobseekers, have been surfaced to TAFEP for assistance. In the past three years, TAFEP received 151 age-related discrimination complaints. Thus far, employers approached by TAFEP have heeded TAFEP’s advice and made adjustments to their employment practices, for example, by removing age criteria from job advertisements.

Addressing age discrimination is more of an ongoing journey than a destination, and requires the concerted efforts of all members of Singapore society. I welcome ideas and suggestions from the hon Member or others on how we can work together to better address this issue.