FROM next January, workers who turn 62 must be offered an option to work for another three years, if they want to.
That is official, after Parliament on Tuesday passed the Retirement and Re-employment Act.
Singapore is now the second country in the world - after Japan - to legislate re-employment, and the first to spell out eligibility criteria, a dispute-resolution mechanism and penalties for errant employers.
To qualify for re-employment, workers must be medically fit and have at least satisfactory work performance. The onus is on employers to prove that a worker is not eligible for re-employment.
In Parliament on Tuesday, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong urged employers to put in place systems to provide fair evaluation of workers' performance and medical fitness.
But employers can offer workers different jobs and employment terms, provided these are reasonable.
- The Straits Times
Showing posts with label ageism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ageism. Show all posts
Dec 16, 2010
Levy changes to encourage hiring of local workers
Employers are hiring more older workers and economically inactive women following changes to the foreign worker levy scheme which were announced during the Budget in February.
The levy changes kicked in in stages from July this year till July 2012 to give companies time to adjust and invest in measures to boost productivity.
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, Singapore National Employers Federation Chief, Stephen Lee, said companies are now looking for better quality and better trained foreign workers, not just for more workers. This also leads to more older workers and women being hired.
"The good news is that the labour participation rate is at an all time high of 77 percent. And one of the contributors of this is more older workers are working and more women are working. It shows that companies are tapping into older workers and the economically inactive women," said Singapore National Employers Federation Chief, Stephen Lee.
Meanwhile, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said that the move to raise foreign worker levy was also aimed at getting employers to hire local workers.
"Other than raising the levy, we have also adjusted the levy tiers so as to encourage the employers to have as low a reliance on foreign workers as possible. We have also over time, raised the entry bar for foreign workers. We have enhanced the requirements for training, experience as well as types of jobs to qualify for skilled workers and S pass," said Mr Gan.
As for high value added, export oriented sectors which need foreign workers, Mr Gan added that these employers will have to pay more.
"For sectors and companies that do need certain foreign talents and foreign workers because their job is very high valued they are export oriented and they have to complete globally, they will continue to have access because we have not adjusted the dependency ratio.
"However, there is a cost to the society and to the nation in employing foreign workers and so they have to bear a higher cost and a higher tier of levy with a tighter dependency ratio if they were to move up the reliance."
Mr Gan said this allows companies flexibility to hire foreign workers but demand is kept in check with a pricing mechanism.
- Channel News Asia
The levy changes kicked in in stages from July this year till July 2012 to give companies time to adjust and invest in measures to boost productivity.
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, Singapore National Employers Federation Chief, Stephen Lee, said companies are now looking for better quality and better trained foreign workers, not just for more workers. This also leads to more older workers and women being hired.
"The good news is that the labour participation rate is at an all time high of 77 percent. And one of the contributors of this is more older workers are working and more women are working. It shows that companies are tapping into older workers and the economically inactive women," said Singapore National Employers Federation Chief, Stephen Lee.
Meanwhile, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said that the move to raise foreign worker levy was also aimed at getting employers to hire local workers.
"Other than raising the levy, we have also adjusted the levy tiers so as to encourage the employers to have as low a reliance on foreign workers as possible. We have also over time, raised the entry bar for foreign workers. We have enhanced the requirements for training, experience as well as types of jobs to qualify for skilled workers and S pass," said Mr Gan.
As for high value added, export oriented sectors which need foreign workers, Mr Gan added that these employers will have to pay more.
"For sectors and companies that do need certain foreign talents and foreign workers because their job is very high valued they are export oriented and they have to complete globally, they will continue to have access because we have not adjusted the dependency ratio.
"However, there is a cost to the society and to the nation in employing foreign workers and so they have to bear a higher cost and a higher tier of levy with a tighter dependency ratio if they were to move up the reliance."
Mr Gan said this allows companies flexibility to hire foreign workers but demand is kept in check with a pricing mechanism.
- Channel News Asia
Sep 16, 2010
Re-hiring of old a must
SINGAPORE employers will be required to offer older worker re-employment contracts of up to a year once they hit the minimum statutory or contractual retirement age from 2012.
This is provided in the proposed re-employment legislation, which is open for public feedback till Sept 29.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Thursday released a consultation paper on the conditions and obligations for re-hiring older employees so that they can work longer.
In view of the nation's ageing population and workforce, the legislation will enable companies to tap on the skills and experience of older employees.
The re-employment legislation aims to 'strike a balance between providing older employees with the opportunity to work longer' as well as keep companies 'competitive by providing flexibility in the implementation of re-employment', said MOM in a statement.
Under the proposals, employees who satisfy the re-employment criteria of being medically fit to continue working and having satisfactory or better work performances must be offered re-employment contracts by the same employer when they reach retirement age.
Re-employment contracts must be for at least a year.
Flexibility in re-employment is another key area provided in the proposed legislation. This will help companies remain competitive. Employers and employees have the flexibility to renegotiate job scope, wages and benefits.
The proposal also makes it compulsory for employers to pay retiring workers an Employment Assistant Payment (EAP) if they are unable to let them continue working in the company.
MOM's proposed legislation was released as a follow up to the Tripartite Guidelines on Re-employment of Older Employees in March.
The key features of the proposed re-employment legislation can be viewed on the REACH website.
- The Straits Times
This is provided in the proposed re-employment legislation, which is open for public feedback till Sept 29.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Thursday released a consultation paper on the conditions and obligations for re-hiring older employees so that they can work longer.
In view of the nation's ageing population and workforce, the legislation will enable companies to tap on the skills and experience of older employees.
The re-employment legislation aims to 'strike a balance between providing older employees with the opportunity to work longer' as well as keep companies 'competitive by providing flexibility in the implementation of re-employment', said MOM in a statement.
Under the proposals, employees who satisfy the re-employment criteria of being medically fit to continue working and having satisfactory or better work performances must be offered re-employment contracts by the same employer when they reach retirement age.
Re-employment contracts must be for at least a year.
Flexibility in re-employment is another key area provided in the proposed legislation. This will help companies remain competitive. Employers and employees have the flexibility to renegotiate job scope, wages and benefits.
The proposal also makes it compulsory for employers to pay retiring workers an Employment Assistant Payment (EAP) if they are unable to let them continue working in the company.
MOM's proposed legislation was released as a follow up to the Tripartite Guidelines on Re-employment of Older Employees in March.
The key features of the proposed re-employment legislation can be viewed on the REACH website.
- The Straits Times
Aug 18, 2010
More rehiring older workers
UNIONISED companies here are picking up the pace when it comes to rehiring their older workers.
Some 34.5 per cent more people aged 62 and older find work past their retirement age compared to last year. These companies have hired 9,413 older employees as of July 31. Last year, 6,999 workers were offered re-employment.
These workers come from 957 out of over 1,000 companies under the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) that have committed themselves to re-hiring older workers who must first meet performance and medical fitness standards.
'People can no longer assume that they can save enough to retire on, because they are living longer and investments can go awry,' said Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Boon Heng, at a National Day Observance Ceremony for Active Agers on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, Mr Lim has called on employers and workers to prepare themselves for the 2012 law which makes it compulsory for companies to re-employ workers who reach the age of 62. But, even the unionised companies have some ways to go in terms of coming up with a structured process for re-hiring these older workers.
An NTUC survey of 100 unionised companies conducted about two months ago found that only half, or 52 per cent, had made it standard operating procedure to hold consultations with their older workers on what the company can offer them when they retire, and what the worker should do if they want to be re-hired.
- The Straits Times
Some 34.5 per cent more people aged 62 and older find work past their retirement age compared to last year. These companies have hired 9,413 older employees as of July 31. Last year, 6,999 workers were offered re-employment.
These workers come from 957 out of over 1,000 companies under the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) that have committed themselves to re-hiring older workers who must first meet performance and medical fitness standards.
'People can no longer assume that they can save enough to retire on, because they are living longer and investments can go awry,' said Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Boon Heng, at a National Day Observance Ceremony for Active Agers on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, Mr Lim has called on employers and workers to prepare themselves for the 2012 law which makes it compulsory for companies to re-employ workers who reach the age of 62. But, even the unionised companies have some ways to go in terms of coming up with a structured process for re-hiring these older workers.
An NTUC survey of 100 unionised companies conducted about two months ago found that only half, or 52 per cent, had made it standard operating procedure to hold consultations with their older workers on what the company can offer them when they retire, and what the worker should do if they want to be re-hired.
- The Straits Times
Apr 6, 2010
Job fair draws 700 seniors
BEING a senior citizen does not mean losing the zest to work. More than 700 job seekers aged over 50 proved this as they gathered at Bishan Community Club for a job fair held by the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC).
More than 1,300 jobs, which included positions in the food and beverage, retail, cleaning, hospitality and security industries, were put up by 25 participating companies looking to entice senior job seekers.
Mr Ong Kong Eauw, 59, for instance, was looking to work as a store assistant. Having worked before as a store supervisor until six years ago when his company closed down its warehouse, Mr Ong decided to search for a similar job as he felt more comfortable in this line of work.
'Previously I was drawing about $2,000, but now I'm willing to settle for less. My two children are both working; I'm just looking for a job to keep myself active,' he added.
Information on skills upgrading courses was also provided at a fair booth. These CDAC-subsidised courses, which aim to help seniors who want to acquire skills such as word processing or to brush up on conversational English, attracted scores of applicants.
This is not the first such job fair by the CDAC. Jobs For Seniors was first held last November at Sengkang Comunity Club, drawing more than 500 applicants then.
- The Straits Times
More than 1,300 jobs, which included positions in the food and beverage, retail, cleaning, hospitality and security industries, were put up by 25 participating companies looking to entice senior job seekers.
Mr Ong Kong Eauw, 59, for instance, was looking to work as a store assistant. Having worked before as a store supervisor until six years ago when his company closed down its warehouse, Mr Ong decided to search for a similar job as he felt more comfortable in this line of work.
'Previously I was drawing about $2,000, but now I'm willing to settle for less. My two children are both working; I'm just looking for a job to keep myself active,' he added.
Information on skills upgrading courses was also provided at a fair booth. These CDAC-subsidised courses, which aim to help seniors who want to acquire skills such as word processing or to brush up on conversational English, attracted scores of applicants.
This is not the first such job fair by the CDAC. Jobs For Seniors was first held last November at Sengkang Comunity Club, drawing more than 500 applicants then.
- The Straits Times
Dec 30, 2009
Under-employment among older PMETs is seeing an uptrend in Singapore
Singapore's labour movement said tackling the issue of under-employed workers will be a big challenge in the coming year.
It said under-employment is becoming more pertinent among older Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians also known as (PMETs).
And efforts must be put in place to help them get jobs suited to their skills and qualifications.
PMETs were the hardest hit during the economic downturn. Many, like those in the financial sector, were left jobless and the labour movement said they had to settle for whatever job they could get to make ends meet.
But while this brings down unemployment levels, the issue of under-employment has been on the uptrend.
Halimah Yacob, Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC, said: "He may be very qualified, very skilled, but the jobs that he wants to do and is willing to do is not available. H
“He ends up doing a job that does not make full capacity, productive use of his capabilities. It also involves the case where jobs are not paying them the kind of salary or earning that they feel is commensurate with their qualifications and skills."
Madam Halimah said she's seen many cases where middle-aged degree-holders who lost jobs during the downturn become taxi drivers.
She said such under-employment is unavoidable as with slow economic growth, job opportunities are limited.
But as the economy recovers, the labour movement will offer targeted help to under-employed workers.
Mdm Halimah said: "We recognise that the person cannot remain underemployed in perpetuity because that is going to be very frustrating and demoralising. That is where we then need to focus help to help him to transit so that he can make better use of his skills and capabilities to move to other sectors and to retrain them and move to other sectors that require their skills and qualifications.
“Of course it may not be easy because some of them may be working in one sector for so many years. So a re-tuning is needed to acquire other skills to move to other sectors."
The labour movement will work on job-matching assistance and training courses and Madam Halimah said workers must also actively find out more about job opportunities relevant to them.
- Channel News Asia
It said under-employment is becoming more pertinent among older Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians also known as (PMETs).
And efforts must be put in place to help them get jobs suited to their skills and qualifications.
PMETs were the hardest hit during the economic downturn. Many, like those in the financial sector, were left jobless and the labour movement said they had to settle for whatever job they could get to make ends meet.
But while this brings down unemployment levels, the issue of under-employment has been on the uptrend.
Halimah Yacob, Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC, said: "He may be very qualified, very skilled, but the jobs that he wants to do and is willing to do is not available. H
“He ends up doing a job that does not make full capacity, productive use of his capabilities. It also involves the case where jobs are not paying them the kind of salary or earning that they feel is commensurate with their qualifications and skills."
Madam Halimah said she's seen many cases where middle-aged degree-holders who lost jobs during the downturn become taxi drivers.
She said such under-employment is unavoidable as with slow economic growth, job opportunities are limited.
But as the economy recovers, the labour movement will offer targeted help to under-employed workers.
Mdm Halimah said: "We recognise that the person cannot remain underemployed in perpetuity because that is going to be very frustrating and demoralising. That is where we then need to focus help to help him to transit so that he can make better use of his skills and capabilities to move to other sectors and to retrain them and move to other sectors that require their skills and qualifications.
“Of course it may not be easy because some of them may be working in one sector for so many years. So a re-tuning is needed to acquire other skills to move to other sectors."
The labour movement will work on job-matching assistance and training courses and Madam Halimah said workers must also actively find out more about job opportunities relevant to them.
- Channel News Asia
Dec 4, 2009
300 jobs for mature, empathetic Singaporeans
A SEARCH was launched yesterday for mature, friendly and empathetic Singaporeans to fill more than 300 vacancies in the new hospital in Yishun, the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH).
The positions are for housekeeping staff and patient assistants, who will help in the operating theatres, provide financial counselling and transport patients, among other duties.
KTPH, run by public-health group Alexandra Health, will open in phases. Its specialist outpatient clinics will start operating on March 28 next year, followed by the acute and emergency care centre and inpatient wards in September.
It will need about 2,500 staff members. Most of Alexandra Hospital's current 1,700 employees will move over in about nine months' time.
At the recruitment exercise yesterday, staff from the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) - a skills-based institute for jobseekers, employers and training providers initiated by the National Trades Union Congress - screened jobseekers.
They shortlisted some for interviews with Alexandra Health to be held at a job fair, which will be on two weeks later.
Most of the 400 jobseekers who turned up yesterday were aged over 40, and lived in the area.
Those who were deemed not up to the mark yet were referred to attend e2i courses, which will prepare them for the jobs.
The courses are fully subsidised for citizens and permanent residents by the Government and e2i.
The courses, which range from two to five days, will cover communication skills and hygiene habits, among other things.
What is more important is having the right "can do" spirit and the willingness to learn and to promote a healthy lifestyle, said Alexandra Health's chief executive, Mr Liak Teng Lit.
Jobseeker Brenda Tan, 38, a former preschool teacher, decided to apply for a role in serving patients, as the last two years she spent caring for her sickly father after quitting her job helped her realise that "caring for others is immensely rewarding".
The next recruitment exercise for jobs in the hospital will be held in January next year. For more details, call the e2i hotline on 6474-3777.
- mypaper
The positions are for housekeeping staff and patient assistants, who will help in the operating theatres, provide financial counselling and transport patients, among other duties.
KTPH, run by public-health group Alexandra Health, will open in phases. Its specialist outpatient clinics will start operating on March 28 next year, followed by the acute and emergency care centre and inpatient wards in September.
It will need about 2,500 staff members. Most of Alexandra Hospital's current 1,700 employees will move over in about nine months' time.
At the recruitment exercise yesterday, staff from the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) - a skills-based institute for jobseekers, employers and training providers initiated by the National Trades Union Congress - screened jobseekers.
They shortlisted some for interviews with Alexandra Health to be held at a job fair, which will be on two weeks later.
Most of the 400 jobseekers who turned up yesterday were aged over 40, and lived in the area.
Those who were deemed not up to the mark yet were referred to attend e2i courses, which will prepare them for the jobs.
The courses are fully subsidised for citizens and permanent residents by the Government and e2i.
The courses, which range from two to five days, will cover communication skills and hygiene habits, among other things.
What is more important is having the right "can do" spirit and the willingness to learn and to promote a healthy lifestyle, said Alexandra Health's chief executive, Mr Liak Teng Lit.
Jobseeker Brenda Tan, 38, a former preschool teacher, decided to apply for a role in serving patients, as the last two years she spent caring for her sickly father after quitting her job helped her realise that "caring for others is immensely rewarding".
The next recruitment exercise for jobs in the hospital will be held in January next year. For more details, call the e2i hotline on 6474-3777.
- mypaper
Dec 2, 2009
POSB to hire more older workers to help customers
A PILOT programme to hire and train those aged 45 and above to assist POSB customers, especially seniors, has been so successful that the bank is doubling the number of people on it.
This was announced yesterday at a recognition ceremony for the first batch of 60 participants of the POSB Active Neighbours programme.
It is one of three key initiatives under an agreement between POSB and the Council for Third Age (C3A): hiring elderly workers, providing financial education and giving privileges to seniors.
Some 1,200 applied for the 60 positions offered earlier this year. Successful applicants underwent a three-day training workshop and have been working since July.
The participants, mostly retirees or full-time housewives, work up to 10 hours a week - mostly on Saturdays - for $8 an hour.
Their job includes combing the queues to find out what transactions customers want to perform at POSB branches and directing people with simple transactions to automated machines and assisting them.
They also help elderly customers with transactions, filling in forms and using bank technology like ATMs.
Mr Rajan Raju, the head of DBS Bank's Consumer Banking Group, said the programme had made elderly customers feel more comfortable with dealing with the bank.
He also said that many of the Active Neighbours are so involved with their jobs that they have asked to work longer hours, and that the bank would look into this.
Next year, it will train some of them to conduct some financial literacy workshops for seniors.
Madam Betty Lee, who had 17 years' experience in customer service before her retirement, is among the Active Neighbours.
She works at the bank's Suntec City branch on Saturdays, serving everyone from executives to the mall's cleaners.
Said the 62-year-old: 'I enjoy meeting all these people. All these customers come from all walks of life and their needs are so diversified.'
Speaking at the event yesterday, the guest of honour, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Boon Heng, noted that Singapore still has some way to go to hit its 2012 target of having 65 per cent of the people in the 55 to 64 age group employed.
Mr Lim, who is in charge of ageing issues, said later that many smaller companies seem to be waiting for new laws, or for others to take the lead, before acting.
But he hoped examples of what companies like POSB have done will encourage other firms.
C3A's chairman, Mr Gerard Ee, said of the bank's initiative: 'It tells people it is okay at 67 to go back to work. It's exciting, it's fun. It tells other employers this is the way to do it as well, that there are people in this age group who can be an important asset.'
Those interested in applying to be Active Neighbours can visit any POSB branch from tomorrow.
Those who applied in the past need not do so again, as the bank will review their applications.
- The Straits Times
This was announced yesterday at a recognition ceremony for the first batch of 60 participants of the POSB Active Neighbours programme.
It is one of three key initiatives under an agreement between POSB and the Council for Third Age (C3A): hiring elderly workers, providing financial education and giving privileges to seniors.
Some 1,200 applied for the 60 positions offered earlier this year. Successful applicants underwent a three-day training workshop and have been working since July.
The participants, mostly retirees or full-time housewives, work up to 10 hours a week - mostly on Saturdays - for $8 an hour.
Their job includes combing the queues to find out what transactions customers want to perform at POSB branches and directing people with simple transactions to automated machines and assisting them.
They also help elderly customers with transactions, filling in forms and using bank technology like ATMs.
Mr Rajan Raju, the head of DBS Bank's Consumer Banking Group, said the programme had made elderly customers feel more comfortable with dealing with the bank.
He also said that many of the Active Neighbours are so involved with their jobs that they have asked to work longer hours, and that the bank would look into this.
Next year, it will train some of them to conduct some financial literacy workshops for seniors.
Madam Betty Lee, who had 17 years' experience in customer service before her retirement, is among the Active Neighbours.
She works at the bank's Suntec City branch on Saturdays, serving everyone from executives to the mall's cleaners.
Said the 62-year-old: 'I enjoy meeting all these people. All these customers come from all walks of life and their needs are so diversified.'
Speaking at the event yesterday, the guest of honour, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Boon Heng, noted that Singapore still has some way to go to hit its 2012 target of having 65 per cent of the people in the 55 to 64 age group employed.
Mr Lim, who is in charge of ageing issues, said later that many smaller companies seem to be waiting for new laws, or for others to take the lead, before acting.
But he hoped examples of what companies like POSB have done will encourage other firms.
C3A's chairman, Mr Gerard Ee, said of the bank's initiative: 'It tells people it is okay at 67 to go back to work. It's exciting, it's fun. It tells other employers this is the way to do it as well, that there are people in this age group who can be an important asset.'
Those interested in applying to be Active Neighbours can visit any POSB branch from tomorrow.
Those who applied in the past need not do so again, as the bank will review their applications.
- The Straits Times
Nov 29, 2009
Record high older workers
DESPITE the economic downturn, older Singapore residents aged 55 to 64 still managed to stay in the labour force at the record high level of 2008 as at June this year.
According to the Labour Force Survey carried out in mid-2009 by the Ministry of Manpower's Research and Statistics Department, 57.2 per cent of them were still working.
The rate for older men, in fact, rose from 73.6 per cent in 2008 to a new high of 74.7 per cent in June, offsetting the slight drop for older women from 40.5 per cent to 40.1 per cent.
The rate for older men in Singapore was also one of the highest internationally,' said the Ministry of Manpower in a statement on Monday.
'On the other hand, the employment rate among females in Singapore generally lagged those in developed countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.'
- The Straits Times
According to the Labour Force Survey carried out in mid-2009 by the Ministry of Manpower's Research and Statistics Department, 57.2 per cent of them were still working.
The rate for older men, in fact, rose from 73.6 per cent in 2008 to a new high of 74.7 per cent in June, offsetting the slight drop for older women from 40.5 per cent to 40.1 per cent.
The rate for older men in Singapore was also one of the highest internationally,' said the Ministry of Manpower in a statement on Monday.
'On the other hand, the employment rate among females in Singapore generally lagged those in developed countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.'
- The Straits Times
Nov 16, 2009
Keeping older workers a win-win
CONTINUED employment of older workers is a win-win outcome as it means productive deployment of limited manpower resources in Singapore, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said on Monday.
Explaining why the Government is pressing on with legislative changes to introduce re-employment of older workers by 2012, Mr Gan told a seminar on Monday morning: 'If we can help more older workers stay in the workforce, it will enable them to remain active, earn a regular income, contribute to society, and better prepare for a more comfortable retirement. This will also benefit the companies as they can continue to tap on the experience and expertise of older workers as a valuable resource.'
Mr Gan said by 2020, more than one in three Singapore residents will be 50 years older. At the same time, life expectancy continues to improve: Someone retiring at 62 today can expect to live for another 20 years or more.
Preliminary results from a Ministry of Manpower's comprehensive mid-year labour force survey shows that the employment rate for older residents aged 55 to 64 in Singapore is 57.2 per cent. This is unchanged from 2008, despite the severe recession which saw the overall employment rate for those aged 25 to 64 fall from 77 per cent in 2008 to 75.8 per cent this year.
Mr Gan said initial response and feedback from employers and unions to the tripartite advisory on the reemployment of older workers in April last year has been positive.
An MOM survey done last year showed that more than nine in 10 companies, or 94 per cent, which do not specify a retirement age allow their employees to continue working past the statutory retirement age, while nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of companies which do stipulate a retirement age offer reemployment or allow employees to continue working beyond the statutory retirement age of 62.
- The Straits Times
Explaining why the Government is pressing on with legislative changes to introduce re-employment of older workers by 2012, Mr Gan told a seminar on Monday morning: 'If we can help more older workers stay in the workforce, it will enable them to remain active, earn a regular income, contribute to society, and better prepare for a more comfortable retirement. This will also benefit the companies as they can continue to tap on the experience and expertise of older workers as a valuable resource.'
Mr Gan said by 2020, more than one in three Singapore residents will be 50 years older. At the same time, life expectancy continues to improve: Someone retiring at 62 today can expect to live for another 20 years or more.
Preliminary results from a Ministry of Manpower's comprehensive mid-year labour force survey shows that the employment rate for older residents aged 55 to 64 in Singapore is 57.2 per cent. This is unchanged from 2008, despite the severe recession which saw the overall employment rate for those aged 25 to 64 fall from 77 per cent in 2008 to 75.8 per cent this year.
Mr Gan said initial response and feedback from employers and unions to the tripartite advisory on the reemployment of older workers in April last year has been positive.
An MOM survey done last year showed that more than nine in 10 companies, or 94 per cent, which do not specify a retirement age allow their employees to continue working past the statutory retirement age, while nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of companies which do stipulate a retirement age offer reemployment or allow employees to continue working beyond the statutory retirement age of 62.
- The Straits Times
Oct 16, 2009
More value older workers
THREE in four unionised companies here are already hiring workers after they hit retirement age, even before new re-employment guidelines kick in.
More than 750 companies have done so, up from about 50 companies that had such policies in place in 2005.
The re-employment guidelines will be made part of the proposed amendments to the Employment Act, which will be introduced in Parliament in 2012, said National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general Lim Swee Say.
Among other things, the guidelines will encourage companies to re-hire a certain proportion of older or retired workers. Such measures are vital if Singapore is to have a more inclusive workforce and a 'cheaper, better and faster' economy in the years ahead, Mr Lim said.
Re-hiring older men and women is one way of helping companies remain competitive and grow, he added, speaking on the last day of the three-day NTUC Ordinary Delegates' Conference 2009 on Thursday.
Mr Lim added that, as part of the new guidelines, the labour movement was also pushing for companies to stop the practice of cutting a worker's wages when he turns 60.
- mypaper
More than 750 companies have done so, up from about 50 companies that had such policies in place in 2005.
The re-employment guidelines will be made part of the proposed amendments to the Employment Act, which will be introduced in Parliament in 2012, said National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general Lim Swee Say.
Among other things, the guidelines will encourage companies to re-hire a certain proportion of older or retired workers. Such measures are vital if Singapore is to have a more inclusive workforce and a 'cheaper, better and faster' economy in the years ahead, Mr Lim said.
Re-hiring older men and women is one way of helping companies remain competitive and grow, he added, speaking on the last day of the three-day NTUC Ordinary Delegates' Conference 2009 on Thursday.
Mr Lim added that, as part of the new guidelines, the labour movement was also pushing for companies to stop the practice of cutting a worker's wages when he turns 60.
- mypaper
Jul 20, 2009
Despite retraining, mature job seekers still face discrimination
GOING for retraining is no guarantee of securing a job - even in the fast-growing services industry, if the experiences of some unsuccessful job seekers are anything to go by.
According to them, age discrimination is still rampant in this sector, which would go against the Government's efforts to retrain mature workers.
Currently getting by on overseas contract assignments, food and beverage manager Joe Lim, 53, attended an Employability Camp for PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) at e2i in April. But he told Today that he and his friends from the F & B line have "given up looking for a job in Singapore".
Citing the example of how his boss, who was a maitre d', is now a waiter at a country club, Mr Lim said: "Employers are looking for younger and cheaper hires. It's hard to get a job if you're above 35, unless through referrals."
Another job seeker, Ms Tan Bee Heng, 48, has sent out "two to three" applications - and gotten one rejection - since she completed the Certified Service Professional course two weeks ago at the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i).
"I think it's because of my age that employers don't seem very interested in hiring me. They say things like 'Oh, this year you're 48'," said the petite, well-groomed woman, who had been working in a printing firm for 22 years before she was retrenched in May.
The concern is palpable especially when more than half of those above 40 are deemed to be more vulnerable to job cuts during the recession.
When told this, Singapore Industrial and Services Employees' Union (SISEU) executive secretary Josephine Teo said that while it was "true there will be individuals who will find it hard to find a job ... the services industry is very broad".
Mrs Teo, who is also a Member of Parliament, noted that certain service jobs in health, education and transportation were more open to hiring mature workers.
But it is not always the case with retail, said Mrs Teo citing ION Orchard as an example which was pitching at a different market.
Still, Mrs Teo said there was no reason why mature workers cannot work as front-line staff.
"I had impeccable service from a sales assistant in Macy's. She looked like she was 70, but she carried herself very well and she was very persuasive."
With the silver dollar market growing, Mrs Teo added that retailers would benefit from hiring older staff.
"Take for instance, handphone shops. I don't use a lot of the functions offered on some of these high-tech phones, and the buttons are so tiny - so I would like someone who is able to empathise. I find that mature workers are more likely to do that," said Mrs Teo, 41.
Beauty chain Skin Inc owner Sabrina Tan agreed. In a profession which exalts youth, half of her 14-strong staff are in their 30s, and her latest hire is 40.
"Age is not an issue. You should be well-groomed but I don't expect staff with perfect skin. I expect them to be independent, experienced and have good customer skills," she said.
Jumbo Group of Restaurants general manager Ang Kiam Meng reiterated that his company has many job vacancies in waitering, service operations and management.
Said Mr Ang: "We don't discriminate people in their 40s. In fact, we welcome them to apply for a job with us."
- TODAY newspaper
According to them, age discrimination is still rampant in this sector, which would go against the Government's efforts to retrain mature workers.
Currently getting by on overseas contract assignments, food and beverage manager Joe Lim, 53, attended an Employability Camp for PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) at e2i in April. But he told Today that he and his friends from the F & B line have "given up looking for a job in Singapore".
Citing the example of how his boss, who was a maitre d', is now a waiter at a country club, Mr Lim said: "Employers are looking for younger and cheaper hires. It's hard to get a job if you're above 35, unless through referrals."
Another job seeker, Ms Tan Bee Heng, 48, has sent out "two to three" applications - and gotten one rejection - since she completed the Certified Service Professional course two weeks ago at the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i).
"I think it's because of my age that employers don't seem very interested in hiring me. They say things like 'Oh, this year you're 48'," said the petite, well-groomed woman, who had been working in a printing firm for 22 years before she was retrenched in May.
The concern is palpable especially when more than half of those above 40 are deemed to be more vulnerable to job cuts during the recession.
When told this, Singapore Industrial and Services Employees' Union (SISEU) executive secretary Josephine Teo said that while it was "true there will be individuals who will find it hard to find a job ... the services industry is very broad".
Mrs Teo, who is also a Member of Parliament, noted that certain service jobs in health, education and transportation were more open to hiring mature workers.
But it is not always the case with retail, said Mrs Teo citing ION Orchard as an example which was pitching at a different market.
Still, Mrs Teo said there was no reason why mature workers cannot work as front-line staff.
"I had impeccable service from a sales assistant in Macy's. She looked like she was 70, but she carried herself very well and she was very persuasive."
With the silver dollar market growing, Mrs Teo added that retailers would benefit from hiring older staff.
"Take for instance, handphone shops. I don't use a lot of the functions offered on some of these high-tech phones, and the buttons are so tiny - so I would like someone who is able to empathise. I find that mature workers are more likely to do that," said Mrs Teo, 41.
Beauty chain Skin Inc owner Sabrina Tan agreed. In a profession which exalts youth, half of her 14-strong staff are in their 30s, and her latest hire is 40.
"Age is not an issue. You should be well-groomed but I don't expect staff with perfect skin. I expect them to be independent, experienced and have good customer skills," she said.
Jumbo Group of Restaurants general manager Ang Kiam Meng reiterated that his company has many job vacancies in waitering, service operations and management.
Said Mr Ang: "We don't discriminate people in their 40s. In fact, we welcome them to apply for a job with us."
- TODAY newspaper
Mar 26, 2009
‘Over 40? Don’t send us your resume’
EVEN in good times, discrimination against older job seekers exists. So what more now that it is an employers’ market?
Some recruitment firms told Today the trend has picked up. Some employers do not want resumes from anyone above 40, said Ms Wendy Kwek, managing director of Career Express. Her firm has seen a “slight increase” in the number of such employers.
Two other employment firms, JobPlus and MDK Personnel Resources, confirmed that their clients prefer younger applicants.
“Some don’t even want to see resumes from those who are 35,” said Mr Kor Lai Hock, MDK’s managing director. The company’s clients include those in manufacturing, engineering, and food and beverage.
The practice however is “nothing new”, said JobPlus’ director Alex Thong.
On the other hand, firms such as Adecco, Manpower, JobStreet and JobsDb said they have never received such requests from their clients who include multinational and blue chip companies.
Rather, would-be employers are now more demanding in terms of applicants having the relevant skills, said Adecco’s strategic accounts director Yue Yin Mun.
With job prospects for older workers bleak, it is no surprise then that entrepreneurship seminars are doing a brisk business.
On Tuesday, there were three such events with turnouts of 120 and 100 for the two that were held by Executive Directions at International Plaza. The third was organised by Harriet International Network.
Those who were late — even if they had registered earlier — had to be turned away. It was standing room only.
“Compared to last year, I would say there’s a 20- to 30-per-cent increase in the number of people attending,” said Ms Kwek of Career Express and a managing director of Executive Directions.
For two to three hours, the participants listened to various speakers extol the benefits of being their own boss. However, many baulked at the cost of the courses which ranged from $5,000 to more than $7,000. More than half then left.
Mr James Chua, chief executive of Harriet’s, said he was not surprised.
“Most people over 40 want something more stable. Asking them to suddenly become an entrepreneur may be too risky. They should start a small business, something that would give them $3,000 a month and which they will be happy with.”
One participant, Mr Sen — who only wanted to be known by his surname — was working in a bank before being laid off last year. He spent the past few months sending out resumes to no avail, so he decided to try the entrepreneurial route.
“What else is there for a 55-year-old to do?” said the father of a 16-year-old. “It’s depressing being at home.” With weaker job prospects, older job hunters turn to entrepreneurship seminars
- TODAY newspaper
Some recruitment firms told Today the trend has picked up. Some employers do not want resumes from anyone above 40, said Ms Wendy Kwek, managing director of Career Express. Her firm has seen a “slight increase” in the number of such employers.
Two other employment firms, JobPlus and MDK Personnel Resources, confirmed that their clients prefer younger applicants.
“Some don’t even want to see resumes from those who are 35,” said Mr Kor Lai Hock, MDK’s managing director. The company’s clients include those in manufacturing, engineering, and food and beverage.
The practice however is “nothing new”, said JobPlus’ director Alex Thong.
On the other hand, firms such as Adecco, Manpower, JobStreet and JobsDb said they have never received such requests from their clients who include multinational and blue chip companies.
Rather, would-be employers are now more demanding in terms of applicants having the relevant skills, said Adecco’s strategic accounts director Yue Yin Mun.
With job prospects for older workers bleak, it is no surprise then that entrepreneurship seminars are doing a brisk business.
On Tuesday, there were three such events with turnouts of 120 and 100 for the two that were held by Executive Directions at International Plaza. The third was organised by Harriet International Network.
Those who were late — even if they had registered earlier — had to be turned away. It was standing room only.
“Compared to last year, I would say there’s a 20- to 30-per-cent increase in the number of people attending,” said Ms Kwek of Career Express and a managing director of Executive Directions.
For two to three hours, the participants listened to various speakers extol the benefits of being their own boss. However, many baulked at the cost of the courses which ranged from $5,000 to more than $7,000. More than half then left.
Mr James Chua, chief executive of Harriet’s, said he was not surprised.
“Most people over 40 want something more stable. Asking them to suddenly become an entrepreneur may be too risky. They should start a small business, something that would give them $3,000 a month and which they will be happy with.”
One participant, Mr Sen — who only wanted to be known by his surname — was working in a bank before being laid off last year. He spent the past few months sending out resumes to no avail, so he decided to try the entrepreneurial route.
“What else is there for a 55-year-old to do?” said the father of a 16-year-old. “It’s depressing being at home.” With weaker job prospects, older job hunters turn to entrepreneurship seminars
- TODAY newspaper
Jan 9, 2009
Don't use age to axe staff
WHEN European companies retired older workers early to survive an economic downturn in the 1980s, it changed societal attitudes that made it harder later to get older people back to work.
'Employers got used to the idea that people over 50 weren't needed in the workforce,' said British gerontology professor Sarah Harper.
'And people got used to the idea that you stopped working in your 50s and lived to 90, and someone was going to look after you.'
This episode was highlighted by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Boon Heng yesterday when he warned employers against using age in the event of cutting back staff.
Mr Lim, who is the minister in charge of ageing issues, said: 'Learning from past experience, it would be a huge policy error if we try to solve the unemployment problem, caused by the downturn, through early retirement.
'Employers should not use age as a factor should they need to reduce headcount to save on wage costs.'
Mr Lim was speaking at the close of a two-day Reinventing Retirement Asia conference.
Prof Harper, the director of the Oxford Institute of Ageing at the University of Oxford, told The Straits Times after Mr Lim's address that only between 2003 and 2006 did the European governments enact anti-discrimination laws that stop employers from forcing older workers out before the retirement age of 65.
Mr Lim, however, told reporters later that the solution for Singapore does not lie in the 'magic bullet of legislation'. It lies in understanding what makes a company retain one employee over another.
He reckoned that older workers could be laid off if they lacked the skills to be productive, rather than because of their age.
Earlier, in his speech before a global audience of 370 policymakers and workforce experts, Mr Lim said the correct policy in this downturn was to enable people to work for as long as they could by giving them access to training and retraining.
He also dwelt at length on the need to strengthen the financial security of seniors.
Apart from equipping all Singaporeans with financial literacy and budgeting skills, policies also need to be designed to encourage people to prepare financially for their future and behave in a way that is 'individually and socially responsible'.
'As human beings, we tend to discount the future and veer towards irrational exuberance, or irrational pessimism. Planning, preparing and taking responsibility should be part of our social DNA.'
Mr Lim suggested that more thought be given to the value of annuities 'as a hedge against longevity'.
Annuities guarantee a constant income for life, but have not been very popular because they yield lower returns than equities.
Mr Lim noted that the Central Provident Fund Life compulsory annuity scheme provides only basic coverage.
Calling for its enhancement for people with higher aspirations on how they want to spend their golden years, he urged insurance companies to offer add-ons or riders to supplement the cover provided.
He also outlined Singapore's efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle as a way to reduce medical costs in old age, taking a leaf from similar workplace programmes in Japan and Finland.
'You have to start younger. It's a habit you have to inculcate at an early age,' he said.
The conference left an impression on younger delegates like labour consultant Ong Sin Tiong, 38, on the need to prepare now for one's future.
'It makes me even more sensitive that I will be living longer and that I have to do some planning.'
For a start, he would take up a suggestion by a conference speaker to keep fit, by walking 10,000 steps a day.
- The Straits Times
'Employers got used to the idea that people over 50 weren't needed in the workforce,' said British gerontology professor Sarah Harper.
'And people got used to the idea that you stopped working in your 50s and lived to 90, and someone was going to look after you.'
This episode was highlighted by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Boon Heng yesterday when he warned employers against using age in the event of cutting back staff.
Mr Lim, who is the minister in charge of ageing issues, said: 'Learning from past experience, it would be a huge policy error if we try to solve the unemployment problem, caused by the downturn, through early retirement.
'Employers should not use age as a factor should they need to reduce headcount to save on wage costs.'
Mr Lim was speaking at the close of a two-day Reinventing Retirement Asia conference.
Prof Harper, the director of the Oxford Institute of Ageing at the University of Oxford, told The Straits Times after Mr Lim's address that only between 2003 and 2006 did the European governments enact anti-discrimination laws that stop employers from forcing older workers out before the retirement age of 65.
Mr Lim, however, told reporters later that the solution for Singapore does not lie in the 'magic bullet of legislation'. It lies in understanding what makes a company retain one employee over another.
He reckoned that older workers could be laid off if they lacked the skills to be productive, rather than because of their age.
Earlier, in his speech before a global audience of 370 policymakers and workforce experts, Mr Lim said the correct policy in this downturn was to enable people to work for as long as they could by giving them access to training and retraining.
He also dwelt at length on the need to strengthen the financial security of seniors.
Apart from equipping all Singaporeans with financial literacy and budgeting skills, policies also need to be designed to encourage people to prepare financially for their future and behave in a way that is 'individually and socially responsible'.
'As human beings, we tend to discount the future and veer towards irrational exuberance, or irrational pessimism. Planning, preparing and taking responsibility should be part of our social DNA.'
Mr Lim suggested that more thought be given to the value of annuities 'as a hedge against longevity'.
Annuities guarantee a constant income for life, but have not been very popular because they yield lower returns than equities.
Mr Lim noted that the Central Provident Fund Life compulsory annuity scheme provides only basic coverage.
Calling for its enhancement for people with higher aspirations on how they want to spend their golden years, he urged insurance companies to offer add-ons or riders to supplement the cover provided.
He also outlined Singapore's efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle as a way to reduce medical costs in old age, taking a leaf from similar workplace programmes in Japan and Finland.
'You have to start younger. It's a habit you have to inculcate at an early age,' he said.
The conference left an impression on younger delegates like labour consultant Ong Sin Tiong, 38, on the need to prepare now for one's future.
'It makes me even more sensitive that I will be living longer and that I have to do some planning.'
For a start, he would take up a suggestion by a conference speaker to keep fit, by walking 10,000 steps a day.
- The Straits Times
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