Tan See Leng on job support for retrenched workers and seniors

The increase in retrenchments in 2023, including several high-profile layoff exercises, has understandably sparked concerns, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng. He said business reorganisation and restructuring are an inevitable part of a healthy and competitive economy. But he stressed that the onus is on employers to be fair and responsible when they are conducting retrenchments. Those who are retrenched must be able to get back on their feet relatively quickly. By and large, most retrenched workers “bounce back quickly” - about two-thirds of retrenched workers re-enter into employment within six months, and the resident long-term unemployment rate remains low at about 0.7 per cent. Dr Tan gave this update in reply to an MP’s questions in Parliament on Thursday (Feb 29). He said retrenched workers who face difficulties in getting a job can tap on employment facilitation services to explore job opportunities. The Government will be introducing a support scheme to empower involuntarily unemployed jobseekers to bounce back into employment. Dr Tan said it is close to finalising the scheme parameters and more information will be announced later this year. Turning to support for seniors in jobs, Dr Tan said the upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation will provide additional protection against age discrimination at the workplace.