Data for Wage Offsets Received through Uplifting Employment Credit Scheme

Mr Victor Lye asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many employers have received wage offsets under the Uplifting Employment Credit (UEC) scheme since its launch in April 2023; (b) how many ex-offenders have been hired under the scheme to date, broken down by industry and job types; and (c) what proportion of these ex-offenders remain employed after nine months.

The Uplifting Employment Credit (UEC) provides employers of ex-offenders with wage offsets of up to 20% of their monthly income, for a period of nine months. Based on the latest available data, about 1,200 employers have received wage offsets for hiring over 3,200 ex-offenders since the scheme's launch in April 2023 to December 2024.

These hires were employed in various industries, with the highest concentrations in administrative and support services, as well as accommodation and food services. They have typically been employed in roles such as car and light goods vehicle drivers, cleaning supervisors, and cleaners and helpers in hotels, offices and other establishments.

Of the more than 1,500 ex-offenders hired under the UEC between April and December 2023, over half remained employed after the nine months of wage support ended. This is based on the available data on retention. We will continue to monitor the outcomes of the UEC to support ex-offenders in finding employment.