SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme to Assist Lower and Middle-Income Workers
At the National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled the new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, designed to provide financial assistance to workers who become involuntarily unemployed, such as those retrenched or impacted by company closures. Under the scheme, jobseekers can receive up to S$6,000 in total over six months. The initiative will focus on supporting lower and middle-income workers and is expected to be a key part of Singapore’s renewed social compact.
Workers who qualify for the scheme must engage in training, career coaching, and job-matching services to improve their employability. PM Wong emphasized that while the government will support jobseekers, individuals must also take responsibility for their actions and efforts to re-enter the workforce.
The scheme aims to mitigate the challenges of sudden job loss without encouraging dependency, as PM Wong acknowledged that in some countries, unemployment insurance can discourage workers from returning to work. Instead, Singapore seeks a balanced approach that helps individuals while avoiding negative consequences seen in other nations with more generous unemployment benefits.
Additionally, the government will extend training allowances to those pursuing part-time courses. This is part of the broader SkillsFuture Level-Up programme, which also provides monthly allowances to workers aged 40 and above who take up full-time courses. The new measure aims to ease the financial burden of attending part-time training while encouraging continuous learning to stay competitive in the workforce.
PM Wong also highlighted the need for Singapore to remain competitive in a changing global economic environment, where both developed and developing countries are intensifying efforts to reshape industries. To help businesses, the government is working to simplify regulations and shorten approval processes, ensuring a more business-friendly environment.
