Koh Poh Koon on mandatory CPF contributions for platform workers

The Advisory Committee on Platform Workers looking into enhancing housing and retirement adequacy, financial protection and representation has actively engaged stakeholders through dialogues. To date, it has reached out to more than 20,000 platform workers and received about 1,200 submissions. Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon gave this update in reply to MPs’ questions in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr 5). He said more than half of these submissions touched on CPF contributions, of which 55 per cent indicated support for mandatory contributions. Housing was the most commonly cited reason for wanting CPF contributions, followed by retirement. To a question on how mandatory CPF contributions for platform workers could be put in place, Dr Koh said that if this is implemented, appropriate mechanisms will be developed to ensure compliance. He said the Government will continue to support platform workers to actively plan their careers and get jobs while respecting the preference of many to continue in platform work. Even as Singapore gradually eases into the endemic phase of the fight against COVID-19, the committee will continue to consult widely to find practicable and sustainable recommendations, and is considering an appropriate phase-in period for the industry to adjust.