Progression and protection for workers as economy restructures: MOM
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — In the face of new challenges including an ageing population and keener global competition, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will continue to help Singaporeans find high-quality jobs and improve real income, by developing progression pathways and ensuring workers are well protected under the law.
In its addendum to the President’s Address released today (Jan 19), the MOM reiterated that the Republic is at a turning point and faces new challenges such as rising aspirations among an educated population, an increase in retirement rate and a volatile global economy inundated with keener competition and faster technological change.
As the economy restructures, it will help Singaporeans, especially those in mid-career, to adapt and remain employable. “We will enhance our employment support to prepare our workers and minimise potential jobs-skills mismatch,” said Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say in the addendum.
The ministry will also aim to better protect workers through expansion of the Employment Act and Industrial Relations Act. These changes will allow for better protection for more Professionals, Managers and Executives. As announced earlier, the re-employment age for seniors will be raised from 65 to 67 by next year and the MOM will expand the range of dispute management services. Workplace safety also remains its primary concern, said Mr Lim, and there will be enhanced protection of injured workers to facilitate their return to work.
And to create “diverse career pathways” for Singaporeans to fulfil their aspirations and meet industry’s manpower needs, the Government, trade unions and employers will be developing sectoral manpower plans. For instance, under the retail sector manpower plans, there are plans to look into job-redesigning and improve training opportunities for retail workers. Likewise, “special attention and care” will be given to older and lower-wage workers by equipping them with better skills and improved productivity to achieve higher salaries, said Mr Lim.
Getting workers to take pride in their work and employers to value their workers is another of the MOM’s aims. “We will work with tripartite partners to promote progressive HR practices, invest in human capital and create workplaces where workers in all jobs are respected and valued,” it said.
Retirement adequacy will also be an area of focus, and the ministry will be working to implement changes recommended by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Advisory Panel. The panel, among other things had recommended the option to receive payouts later and topping up a spouse’s CPF account. As for elderly with low retirement savings, the Silver Support Scheme will also kick in this year to provide quarterly cash supplements.
Meanwhile, the MOM will also help companies become more manpower-lean, and “strengthen their Singaporean core in all major sectors of the economy”. “We will support employers to re-design jobs, processes, and workplaces to fully tap the experience and contributions of all workers, especially our mature workers,” said Mr Lim.
In a separate statement, he said: “The tripartite partners will have to work closely, both at the national and sectoral levels, with all Singaporeans, to co-create better outcomes for all Singaporeans.”
PLANS TO HELP SINGAPOREAN WORKERS
Strengthen Singaporean core
- Help companies become more manpower-lean and strengthen their Singaporean core
- Support employers to re-design jobs, processes, and workplaces to fully tap the experience of all workers, especially mature workers
- Help Singaporeans, especially those in mid-career, to adapt and remain employable
- Enhance employment support to prepare workers and minimise potential jobs-skills mismatch
- Ensure that Singaporean workers are fairly considered by employers when hiring, and have fair opportunities for leadership development and growth
Better career progression and protection for workers
- Raise the re-employment age from 65 to 67 by 2017
- Expand dispute management services for workers and employers
- Step up efforts with tripartite partners to enhance workplace safety and health
- Enhance protection of injured workers to facilitate their return to work
- Develop sectoral manpower plans; special attention and care for the older and lower-wage workers
- Work with tripartite partners to promote progressive HR practices and invest in human capital
Retirement adequacy
- Continue to enhance the flexibility and adequacy of the CPF system
- Work towards the smooth implementation of some of the CPF Advisory Panel recommendations
- Implement the Silver Support Scheme to provide quarterly cash supplements to needy elderly
