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SINGAPORE: Middle management and PMET workers are among those that a new programme to help retrenched workers find jobs will reach out to, said Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong on Tuesday.
Although details are still under wraps, Mr Gan gave a glimpse into the possible shape the soon-to-be-revealed Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) will take.
The new programme is intended to help workers and employers ride through the economic downturn. It is also to get laid-off workers on their feet again, in finding jobs.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Workplace Safety and Health event, Mr Gan said the bulk of those eligible for the programme are likely to be from the export-based areas such as manufacturing and electronics sector as these are most affected by the slowdown.
A suite of training programmes will be designed for those affected, both for rank-and-file workers, as well as the PMETs (professionals, managers, engineers, technicians).
Mr Gan said specific details such as the training capacity and the sectors SPUR is meant for will be released on Friday.
But he said retrenched workers and job-seekers - keen to cross over to jobs in new areas such as in the integrated resorts, education and childcare sectors - can sign up for multiple training modules.
He explained that these are areas which are still hiring even as the economy is slowing.
On whether the Manpower Ministry will come down harder on companies who retrench employees before exhausting all cost-cutting avenues, Mr Gan replied that the government would rather work with companies.
"I think it is better for us to be pro-active among all the tripartite partners and help companies manage the situation," he said.
"Retrenchment may not be avoidable. So, key is how we can manage the process so that workers can be better prepared, so that when they're actually being retrenched, they have the opportunities to upgrade, and we help these workers find new jobs as soon as possible."
Mr Gan also urged companies to provide more training and upgrading for staff, rather than retrench workers during a recession.
"When the economy recovers, they will be there to help the company scale new heights. So I think it's important for the company to take a pro-active role, work with the ministry, work with the unions if they are facing challenges in managing excess manpower," he said.
"With the guidelines, the tripartite partners will be very happy to help companies manage this process."
Guidelines on how companies can better manage excess manpower will be released on Wednesday.
- 938LIVE
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