Applications to Inclusive Business Programme In Support of Employment of Persons with Disabilities

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many businesses successfully applied for the Inclusive Business Programme to support the employment of persons with disabilities at HDB shop spaces; and (b) what steps have been taken to promote the provision of more employment opportunities for such persons at the HDB estates where they live.

HDB and SG Enable launched the Inclusive Business Programme (IBP) in 2019 to support businesses who commit to having persons with disabilities make up at least 20% of their hired workforce, through the direct allocation of HDB shop spaces. In addition, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) businesses supported under the IBP enjoy a 20% rental discount, for their first three years of tenancy. Since 2019, two businesses have applied for the IBP and both businesses were successful in their applications.

The Government also supports the employment and creation of persons with disabilities through a suite of employment measures. This includes job placement and job support services and grants under the Open Door Programme, as well as wage support through the Enabling Employment Credit. MSF is also developing Enabling Business Hubs (EBH), to better enhance employment support and opportunities at the regional level, closer to where persons with disabilities and caregivers live. EBHs will offer employment training, employer engagement as well as on and offsite employment for persons with disability.