Measures to Tackle Increased Numbers of Long-term Unemployed Resident PMETs above 50

Mr Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari asked the Minister for Manpower what are the Ministry's plans to tackle the issue of increasing numbers of long-term unemployed resident professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) aged 50 and above, notwithstanding that their overall unemployment and long-term unemployment rates remain low.

The increase in the absolute number of resident PMETs aged 50 or older who are long-term unemployed reflects the ageing of our labour force and the growing number of mature workers. In proportional terms, the long-term unemployment rate of resident PMETs aged 50 and above has declined slightly from 1.2% in 2024 to 1.1% in 2025. It remains below the pre-COVID-19 average of 1.3% from 2015 to 2019.

The Government remains committed to supporting every worker in their job search. We have invested strongly in reskilling and career conversion programmes, several of which offer a higher level of support for mature workers. This includes programmes such as Workforce Singapore's (WSG's) Mid-Career Pathways Programme and Career Conversion Programmes, as well as SkillsFuture Singapore's SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme and SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme. Jobseekers can also tap on employment facilitation services offered by WSG and the National Trades Union Congress' Employment and Employability Institute.

The Ministry of Manpower and our tripartite partners have convened the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment to refresh our senior employment policies as our population continues to age. Its recommendations are slated for release in 2H 2026.