Proposals for improved support across different worker groups, from upskilling to better unemployment support
During the second day of the Budget 2024 debate, Members of Parliament (MPs) presented a range of suggestions to improve the government’s support for various worker groups, including mid-career workers, freelancers, lower-wage workers, older workers, and those with disabilities. These ideas focused on upskilling, enhancing wage top-ups, and extending unemployment benefits.
One key proposal from Patrick Tay, NTUC deputy secretary-general, was the expansion of the upcoming unemployment support scheme. He recommended broadening the eligibility to cover more middle-income workers and providing sector-specific support for industries facing cyclical downturns. Tay also advocated for a longer period for reskilling and job matching, as well as a seamless and efficient application process.
MPs also discussed the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, with suggestions for enhancing the S$4,000 top-up, particularly for retrenched, unemployed, and freelance workers. There were calls for the government to track outcomes of the programme, such as graduates’ job placements and salaries, to measure its effectiveness.
Further, MPs raised concerns about older workers, with NTUC’s Heng Chee How urging the government to announce the next planned increase in retirement and re-employment ages. The call for proactive measures also included addressing age discrimination in the workplace. On the other end, younger workers were also considered, with ideas for subsidies for students to pursue education in growth industries such as AI and the green sector.
Other MPs proposed measures to support freelancers, such as requiring government contractors to adhere to tripartite standards and ensuring fair remuneration. The discussion also touched on lower-wage workers, with calls for a review of the Workfare Income Supplement scheme and the expansion of the Progressive Wage Model to additional sectors.
The debate highlighted the importance of providing adequate support for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, who require accessible training opportunities. Lastly, NTUC’s Desmond Tan reported on the success of the Company Training Committees initiative, which has benefited thousands of workers by helping them access career development and wage increases.
