Employment & labour — Topics

5 Oct 2021

Clarification by Minister for Manpower

The Minister for Manpower clarified that long-term unemployment remains among the lowest levels, and resident unemployment is approaching pre-COVID-19 figures.
The correction was made to accurately state that unemployment numbers are closing down to pre-COVID-19 levels, not that they are at that level.
The clarification was issued through a written statement circulated with the Speaker's leave, following the initial oral reply during Question Time.

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5 Oct 2021

Successful Job Applications via MyCareersFuture Broken Down by Low-Wage Workers and PMETs

Since the MyCareersFuture portal launched in 2018, about 170,000 active local users each year on average, with half finding new jobs, though the government does not track successful applications versus total applications, considering the latter meaningless due to multi-channel job searches.
Of the MyCareersFuture users who found new jobs, around three in four were formerly PMETs, and the portal does not collect last-drawn wages, so specific breakdowns for low-wage workers are not available.
Singapore Citizens make up 84% of MyCareersFuture users who found new jobs, a proportion comparable to the 85% in the resident labour force, with the government not distinguishing between Citizens and Permanent Residents in job facilitation efforts.

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5 Oct 2021

Efforts to Encourage Buyers of Outsourced Services to Abide by Fair Employment Guidelines

Mr Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about discriminatory clauses in tender documents for outsourced services and asked what more can be done to encourage buyers to follow fair employment guidelines.
Manpower Minister Tan See Leng reiterated that all employers must adhere to fair employment principles, regardless of client demands, and that discriminatory practices will face enforcement actions.
The government plans to enshrine fair employment guidelines in law, allowing broader actions against breaches and holding employers accountable.
Authorities will continue to investigate complaints about discriminatory tender documents and may suspend work pass privileges for non-compliant service buyers or their agents.

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5 Oct 2021

Schemes Supporting Gig Workers Who Wish to Transit to Regular Employment and Challenges In Supporting these Workers

The government has supported gig workers transitioning to regular employment through career matching services, job fairs, and digital platforms like MCF, with examples including workshops for platform drivers in 2021.
Challenges include the diverse preferences of gig workers for flexibility and the need for tailored support to help them move into traditional jobs.
Agencies like WSG and NTUC’s e2i are actively providing coaching, workshops, and job matching, while the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers is consulting to enhance support.
The availability of SGUnited Jobs and Skills programs and round-the-clock digital services aims to facilitate this transition despite the inherent difficulties.

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5 Oct 2021

Leading Causes of Workplace Accidents Due To Cost-cutting Measures Resulting in Safety Lapses

The Minister for Manpower identified falls from height and vehicular accidents as the leading causes of fatal workplace accidents in the first half of 2021, while slips, trips, falls, and machinery-related incidents are the main causes of non-fatal accidents.
Safety lapses such as unguarded openings and poor machinery maintenance are common findings in accident investigations, with the Ministry stating it does not condone any cost-cutting or other actions that compromise worker safety.
The Ministry emphasizes that sentencing for safety violations is decided by the Court, which considers factors like case law, aggravating circumstances, and the severity of harm, with the Ministry providing input on safety trends and concerns.

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5 Oct 2021

Data on Workers Who Found Employment Successfully through Foreign Construction Worker Directory System and Singapore Construction Manpower Exchange

Louis Ng asked for the number and percentage of workers who found employment through the Foreign Construction Worker Directory System and the Singapore Construction Manpower Exchange, and whether such job-matching schemes could be extended to work permit holders in all sectors.
The Singapore Construction Manpower Exchange, launched in May 2020, replaced the earlier directory system and as of end-August 2021 had helped around 420 workers (20% of those enrolled) find employment, with similar schemes in other sectors assisting about 340 workers (50% of enrollees).
From September 2021, a new six-month retention scheme was introduced for construction workers to stay and work in Singapore without needing their former employer’s consent, with safeguards against abuse.
The Ministry is discussing similar retention schemes with marine-shipyard and process sector associations.
The Ministry indicated that such job-matching and retention schemes could be considered for other sectors, reflecting a broader effort to retain foreign workers in Singapore.

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5 Oct 2021

Manpower and Infrastructure Plans to Ensure Sufficient Healthcare Support for Elderly

The Ministry of Health is strengthening community support for seniors to enable ageing-in-place through enhanced eldercare centres and community care services.
Over 4,600 day care and 3,100 home care places have been added since 2015, with plans to onboard more than 200 eldercare centres by 2024.
Infrastructure expansions include 10 primary care networks involving over 600 GP clinics and a target of 32 polyclinics by 2030, some co-located with eldercare services.
Manpower efforts focus on raising salary competitiveness and career progression opportunities for the community care workforce.
The eldercare centres will promote active ageing, befriending, and care services for seniors in the community.

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5 Oct 2021

Update on Utilisation of Rail Manpower Development Package and Number of Workers Who Have Benefited Since November 2019 Launch

The Rail Manpower Development Package, a $100 million initiative launched in November 2019, comprises three key initiatives: the Rail Manpower Development Incentive, scholarships and sponsorships for rail engineering talent, and co-investments in training hardware.
More than 2,300 workers have completed training under the Rail Manpower Development Incentive, with over 3,000 expected to benefit by the end of the five-year period.
The package has awarded 15 scholarships and 30 in-service sponsorships, and more than 150 students have participated in industrial attachments with rail operators.
Applications for training hardware investments are ongoing and will close in October 2021, aiming to enhance hands-on training efficiency.
The government will continue working with rail operators and NTWU to equip workers with skills for the expanding and digitalising rail network.

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5 Oct 2021

Frequency of Rostered Routine Testing for Workers Differentiated based on COVID-19 Vaccination Status

Abdul Samad questioned whether the frequency of Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) could be differentiated based on workers’ vaccination status.
Manpower Minister Tan See Leng confirmed that a vaccination-differentiated RRT regime is already in place for certain sectors, with unvaccinated workers tested more frequently than vaccinated ones.
The current approach includes weekly testing for vaccinated workers and additional tests for unvaccinated workers, guided by MOH’s “Vaccinate or Regular Test” framework.
The government will continue reviewing and potentially refining testing requirements based on evolving scientific evidence and the pandemic situation.
Employers and workers are acknowledged for their efforts in adhering to the testing regime to support Singapore’s transition to a COVID-19-resilient nation.

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5 Oct 2021

Sufficiency of Number of Practising Psychiatrists and Psychologists in Singapore

He Ting Ru asked whether the number of practising psychiatrists and psychologists in Singapore is sufficient, what is being done to increase their numbers, and what measures are in place to address burnout among mental health practitioners.
As of end-2020, there were 2,631 psychiatrists (4.6 per 100,000 population) and 5,512 psychologists (9.7 per 100,000 population) in Singapore, with no international consensus on optimal ratios.
The Ministry of Health will continue working with stakeholders to assess needs and monitor mental health professionals to ensure appropriate access and quality of services.
Healthcare workers, including mental health practitioners, face significant stress and burnout risks; public institutions have increased support through counselling, helplines, and peer support programmes.

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5 Oct 2021

Trend of Migrant Domestic Workers Seeking Transfer of Employer before Contracts End

Minister Tan See Leng stated that the number of migrant domestic workers transferred to new employers each month has remained stable over the past year, and employer consent is required for such transfers due to various reasons including changing caregiving needs or household compatibility.
To aid employers, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is enhancing transparency by providing the employment history of MDWs and will soon require employment agencies to offer a 50% refund if an MDW's employment ends within the first six months.
MOM also facilitates employer feedback sharing and introduced a policy allowing employers to share COVID-19 related costs for MDWs who transfer employers prematurely, while continuing efforts to increase the entry of MDWs within public health parameters.

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5 Oct 2021

Preparations to Train and Build Up Pool of Informal Caregivers Given Anticipated Demand as Population Ages

Carrie Tan asked for projections on the growing need for informal caregivers over the next 10 to 20 years and how the government plans to support and build up care worker capacity to ease the caregiving burden on families.
Ong Ye Kung noted that 119,000 residents are currently out of the workforce due to family care duties, and by 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above, increasing caregiving demands.
The government is expanding care services by adding thousands of day and home care places since 2015, piloting new respite care options, and reviewing grants like the Home Caregiving Grant to provide targeted support.
To ensure sufficient and qualified manpower, the Ministry of Health and the Agency for Integrated Care are assisting providers with recruitment, branding, salary enhancements, and training grants to build capabilities in the care sector.

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5 Oct 2021

Work Permit Holders Obtaining Skills Certification in Singapore Instead of Overseas Testing Centres

About 3,500 work permit holders (WPHs), primarily from China, have been permitted to obtain skills certification in Singapore instead of overseas testing centres since May 2021, with this flexibility extended to other approved sources on a case-by-case basis.
Approximately 1,700 WPHs have arrived in Singapore under this arrangement, with slightly over 100 having obtained their skills certification so far and about 90% yet to attempt the test.
The Ministry will review whether to make this a permanent programme, while employers face higher levy rates if workers are not certified within three months of their work pass issuance.

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5 Oct 2021

Number of Employment Disputes before Written Employment Contracts were Mandated in April 2016

Abdul Samad inquired about the trend in employment disputes involving employees hired before 1 April 2016 without written contracts and whether Key Employment Terms (KETs) could be mandated for them to prevent workplace grievances.
Manpower Minister Tan See Leng explained that mandating KETs for pre-2016 employees was not implemented due to administrative burdens, especially for SMEs, as most would be covered when they change jobs or have contracts renewed.
The minister noted that most disputes handled by TADM involve non-payment issues rather than lack of contractual clarity and that WorkRight inspections have not shown disputes from missing KETs for pre-2016 hires.
Despite the exclusion, tripartite partners encourage employers to issue KETs to pre-2016 employees, and MOM will review this policy during the next Employment Act review.

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5 Oct 2021

Impact on Businesses from Delays in Reopening of Economy in COVID-19 Endemic Stage

The Minister for Trade and Industry explained that delaying border reopening would hamper Singapore's role as a global business hub, hinder recovery of travel-dependent sectors like aviation and tourism, and exacerbate labour shortages, particularly in construction, impacting BTO projects and domestic worker availability.
To mitigate these impacts, the government is progressively easing border restrictions through Vaccinated Travel Lanes with more countries while maintaining careful reviews of global COVID-19 situations.
Comprehensive measures to support businesses, especially SMEs, include grants like the Jobs Support Scheme and Rental Support Scheme, financing schemes such as the Temporary Bridging Loan, and development grants like the Enterprise Development Grant.
The government has also relaxed regulatory conditions to retain work permit holders and facilitate the safe inflow of new workers to address labour shortages, with readiness to consider additional support as needed.
Emphasizing Singapore's resilience, the minister expressed confidence that collective effort will help the economy emerge stronger from the pandemic.

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5 Oct 2021

Shorter Wait Times for Households who Need Migrant Domestic Workers for Care Needs

Mr Dennis Tan asked the Ministry of Manpower to expedite the entry of more migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to reduce wait times for households needing care for seniors and children.
Minister Tan See Leng explained that the government is prioritizing MDWs for urgent caregiving needs and will accept new applications from vaccinated MDWs from 15 October, with entry from 1 November, though wait times may be three to six months due to public health limits.
A pilot programme by the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore) is helping to safely accelerate MDW entry for urgent cases, with efforts to scale it up and expand to other countries as feasible.

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5 Oct 2021

Private Security Industry (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces new offences to protect security officers from assault, hurt, and harassment while on duty, with penalties higher than those for similar acts against the general public, citing rising abuse cases, especially during COVID-19.
It removes licensing requirements for security consultants, shifting to industry-led accreditation through the Security Consultants Accreditation Programme to uphold standards and adapt to industry developments.
MPs generally support the Bill but raise concerns about potential overreach, such as the burden of proof on the accused for harassment offences, and suggest measures like body-worn cameras and better training to ensure fair implementation.
The debate highlights the need to respect security officers' roles, improve working conditions, and address manpower issues, with calls for public awareness campaigns and tripartite efforts to uplift the industry.

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5 Oct 2021

Clarification by Minister for Manpower

The Minister for Manpower clarified that the proportion of job vacancies unfilled for six months or more was 27%, not 57% as previously mentioned, based on 2020 data.
The Minister corrected a statement that nine in 10 people placed through Career Conversion Programmes remained employed in the same company after 24 months, noting they remained employed but not necessarily with the same company.
The clarification addressed specific points raised by Ms Hany Soh regarding employment outcomes and job vacancy figures.

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5 Oct 2021

Measures to Assist Employees Affected by COVID-19 and Digital Disruptions

The Minister outlined extensive measures under the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package and Jobs Support Scheme to assist workers affected by COVID-19, focusing on job placement, reskilling, and wage support for distressed sectors like F&B and retail.
Specific support for seniors and digitally disadvantaged workers includes the Senior Worker Support Package, career conversion programs, and digital training initiatives to help them pivot to new roles amid economic transformation.
The government is addressing job matching challenges by expanding career coaching, redesigning jobs through grants, and leveraging industry partnerships to improve alignment between job vacancies and local talent.
Ongoing efforts, such as the Jobs Taskforce and Company Training Committees, aim to continuously update skills training and ensure the workforce adapts to structural changes and digital disruptions.

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5 Oct 2021

Seniors Aged 55 and Above Who Benefited from Senior Worker Support Package

The Senior Worker Support Package, introduced in 2020, provides wage offsets and grants to employers to support senior workers aged 55 and above, with close to $150 million disbursed to 86,000 employers benefiting 482,000 senior workers.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, senior employment rates remained stable, with over 90% re-employment offer rates among eligible private sector employees and job roles largely maintained or improved.
Additional support measures include the Jobs Growth Incentive, which offers higher wage support for hiring mature workers, and the government has allocated $1.5 billion over three years for senior worker support.
The government is exploring future plans, including raising the retirement and re-employment ages further and studying dynamic models based on healthy life expectancy.
MPs highlighted concerns about seniors depleting retirement savings due to COVID-19 and requested more training programs, particularly place-and-train initiatives, to enhance senior employability.

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