Employment & labour

Low Wu Yang Andre raised concerns about the adequacy of the Employment Act, Personal Data Protection Act, and Workplace Fairness Act in addressing employer tracking of employees on medical leave. Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry aims to safeguard employment standards while encouraging progressive workplace practices, stating that employers should not collect personal data to deter sick leave. The Employment Act mandates that employees are entitled to paid sick leave, but employers can investigate suspected misconduct. Employees are advised to address concerns through company grievance channels or seek assistance from unions or the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices.

Hany Soh questioned the Minister for Education about employment trends for graduates over the past five years, specifically comparing those who secured full-time permanent jobs to those in fixed-term employment within six months of graduation, with requests for breakdowns by ITEs, polytechnics, autonomous universities, and private universities. Soh also asked for percentage data regarding graduates achieving full-time employment without further studies and the median duration of fixed-term contracts for the same institutions. Desmond Lee responded that this question had been addressed in a written answer on 22 September 2025, referring members to the official report for detailed statistics.

Hazlina Abdul Halim raised questions regarding how companies can collaborate with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to better highlight suitable courses for jobseekers and inquired about the status of training courses removed for poor performance since January 2025. Desmond Lee emphasized the importance of companies in supporting skills development by clearly communicating job requirements and engaging with appointed Skills Development Partners to identify relevant skills and training. SSG has appointed five partners to assist in this process and closely monitors the quality of funded programs, terminating 42 training providers for failing audits, with no providers having returned since. SSG aims to enhance quality control to ensure program relevance and learner satisfaction.

Low Wu Yang Andre questioned the Minister for Social and Family Development about measures to ensure financial security for family caregivers who leave the workforce or reduce work hours, including potential direct compensation or CPF contributions. Masagos Zulkifli acknowledged the crucial role of caregivers and emphasized support for working caregivers through flexible work arrangements, employment facilitation, and reskilling programs. Caregivers may also access financial assistance programs like the Workfare Income Supplement and enhanced long-term care subsidies announced in Budget 2025. Additional support for seniors, including the Silver Support Scheme and Matched Retirement Savings Scheme, was noted to further aid caregivers. The Government aims to continually assess and enhance support for caregivers at various life stages.

Saktiandi Supaat posed questions regarding the projected impact of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) on investment, job creation, and supply chain resilience over the next five years, as well as its progress and benefits for Singaporeans. Gan Kim Yong explained that the JS-SEZ will leverage the strengths of both Singapore and Johor to attract investment and create jobs, with record-high investments already reported in Johor since the agreement was signed. He highlighted successful collaborations between companies, such as Agrocorp, Day One, and ResMed, which demonstrate the complementary advantages of the region in creating job opportunities for Singaporeans.

Hamid Razak requested more detailed reporting on employment outcomes for adult learning programs, emphasizing the need for sector-specific data to assess effectiveness. Dr. Janil Puthucheary explained that the Ministry of Education tracks various metrics, including wage changes and job placement rates, to measure program impact. While some sector-specific breakdowns may be limited due to sample sizes, the Ministry will consider offering more granular data where feasible. The aim is to provide transparent information that guides learners, employers, and training providers in their decisions about skills training and future opportunities.

Charlene Chen asked the Ministry of Manpower about tracking employee burnout data by sector and how pressures could be alleviated while directing jobseekers to in-demand areas. The Ministry does not systematically collect burnout data but has developed the iWorkHealth tool, revealing that one in three employees experiences work-related stress. Efforts to improve workplace mental well-being include the Tripartite Advisory, the Well-being Champions Network, and the upcoming Workbook on Workplace Mental Well-being that offers actionable guidance for employers. The Ministry also supports jobseekers through the Career Health SG initiative, promoting better career choices to avoid burnout.

Yeo Wan Ling raised concerns about the prioritization of Punggol residents' safety, affordability of autonomous vehicle (AV) rides, and the involvement of transport workers as AV trials are scheduled for late 2025. Edward Chia Bing Hui questioned the key performance indicators for AV success, safety benchmarks, legal liabilities, system-wide benefits, and the impact on driving-related jobs. Sun Xueling responded that AVs will enhance public transport connectivity, create new jobs, and have stringent safety assessments, including real-time monitoring during pilot phases. The government plans to roll out training programs for current transport workers to transition into AV-related roles. Phased AV trials will allow for community engagement and data collection to ensure safety and public acceptance.

Patrick Tay highlighted the need for the Ministry of Education to track the career impacts of SkillsFuture credits on Singaporeans regarding employment, hours worked, and wage outcomes to potentially increase take-up rates. Kwek Hian Chuan requested data on the employment success of SkillsFuture Level-Up participants, especially older age groups. Dr. Hamid Razak queried if the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance could be extended to Singaporeans in their 30s, while Kenneth Tiong argued for reconsidering the age cut-off and expanding the allowance to postgraduate qualifications. Janil Puthucheary responded that the SkillsFuture programs are designed to provide lifelong learning opportunities while emphasizing the value of employer support and the importance of understanding skills relevance to industry needs.

Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the retention rates of SG Enable's Place-and-Train (PnT) trainees after one and three years, as well as the number of individuals with multiple placements with varying numbers of employers. Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that the PnT programme, introduced in 2021, has provided significant salary support and course fee subsidies, resulting in 80% of participants employed six months post-programme, with 77% remaining with their host employers. The programme has been extended by two years to assist an additional 200 persons with disabilities, and the Ministry will continue monitoring its effectiveness.