SINGAPORE: Job security and help to cope with the current financial downturn were some of the concerns raised at a pre-Budget dialogue session on Thursday evening.

Some 60 Singaporeans - ranging from students to retirees and working professionals - attended the session organised by the Singapore government's feedback arm, REACH.

Many participants cited the recent lay-offs by banking giant DBS as an example of how shaky the job market is. And several were concerned over job security, especially for older workers.

Recent comments by government leaders that next year's Budget will have to focus on help measures for businesses also prompted participants to urge the government not to forget low-income Singaporeans as well as the sandwiched class.

To this, REACH chairman Dr Amy Khor gave the assurance that needy Singaporeans will not be neglected.

She added that helping businesses stay competitive will also generate jobs.

On the wish list of many was lower Goods and Services Tax (GST) or at least a preferential GST for basic services like healthcare and education.

Dr Amy Khor said: "I think the issue here is a concern about rising costs. This is something that we need to tackle but it may not necessarily be in the form of lowering GST. Very often we forget that GST offsets have been given, which will cover especially the low income people for a number of years."

Other interest groups will have a chance to air their views on Budget 2009 as REACH is planning a series of dialogues over the next few weeks up to January. - CNA/vm