Discussions Focus on Support for Unemployed, Older Workers, Freelancers, and Low-Wage Employees
On the second day of Singapore’s Budget 2024 debate, Members of Parliament (MPs) proposed several adjustments to labour policies, emphasizing unemployment support, reskilling programs, and aid for various worker groups.
MPs suggested tweaks to the upcoming unemployment support scheme, stressing that financial aid should extend beyond low-wage earners to include middle-income workers, particularly those in industries facing cyclical downturns. Patrick Tay of the labour movement outlined five key principles for this scheme, including ensuring adequate financial assistance, ample time for reskilling, and seamless access to support.
The SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme was also a major topic, with MPs questioning its scope and suggesting that the S$4,000 credit top-up be extended to include freelancers, retrenched workers, and the unemployed. There were calls for greater government transparency in tracking employment outcomes of program graduates.
Concerns about ageism and retirement policies were raised, with MPs urging the government to announce new retirement and re-employment age increases soon, possibly by 2026, to give businesses and workers time to adapt. Additionally, there were discussions about strengthening anti-discrimination laws to prevent age bias in hiring.
For younger workers, MPs proposed education subsidies and career trials in high-growth industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the green economy. Freelancers also came into focus, with suggestions that government contractors be required to uphold fair remuneration and employment standards for gig workers in creative, media, and coaching sectors.
Regarding lower-wage workers, MPs proposed annual reviews of the Workfare Income Supplement scheme to keep up with inflation and called for expanding the Progressive Wage Model to additional sectors, including pest management and facilities management.
Finally, support for persons with disabilities was emphasized, with MPs advocating for inclusive training opportunities and incentives for companies that prioritize hiring individuals with disabilities.
As Singapore adapts to technological advancements and economic shifts, the debate underscored the need for stronger worker protections and adaptable policies to ensure an inclusive and resilient workforce.
