More help on the way for employees in Singapore

Singapore is considering a permanent scheme to provide short-term unemployment support for displaced employees, including professionals, managers, and executives. Under the proposed scheme, customised career counselling or training will also be provided for job seekers to take on jobs in growth areas ore redesigned job roles.

This was one of several suggestions made to provide more support for employees in Singapore during a recent parliamentary session, which included expanding the training allowance for self-funded trainees to include self-employed people so that they have opportunities to upskill.

Other proposals include extending Singapore’s Progressive Wage Model to skilled tradesmen such as plumbers, electricians, and air-con technicians, and to grant more support for middle-aged and older employees. This includes providing part-time work options and ensuring senior employees are considered for training and skills-building opportunities.

READ: Singapore enhances workforce inclusion and training support

To benefit more employees looking to change careers, it was also suggested that the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) be expanded to more sectors. The SCTP supports mid-career individuals in acquiring industry-relevant skills to improve their employability and pivot to new sectors or job roles. It was proposed that the government consider protected training leave for employees, review training funds and allowances, and introduce a training allowance for trainees under the SCTP,

The parliamentary session also discussed a penalty framework for companies with discriminatory practices, which is expected to be introduced when Singapore passes into law a workplace fairness Bill by the end of 2024, reported The Straits Times.