Despite being in the early childhood education business, the need to portray a youthful image has not stopped NTUC First Campus Co-operative Limited from recognising the value that older workers can bring to their over 100 childcare centres in Singapore.
The behind-the-scenes support provided by mature and older workers is vital to the fabric of the centres’ operations, pointed out NTUC First Campus Chief Human Resource Officer Geraldine Lee: “Most of our mature workers are the cooks and cleaners at the centres. They play an important part in the centre in helping to look after the children and they are affectionately addressed as ‘aunties’ by the children and teachers.”
In accordance with the Re-employment and Retirement Act enacted this year, the company is committed to enable employees to work beyond the statutory retirement age of 62. Said Ms Lee: “Employees are offered re-employment if they are medically fit and have satisfactory performance. They are re-employed on the same pay, terms and conditions for the same job, on annual contract. Re-employed employees and those hired beyond age 62 are also eligible for bonuses and salary increments similar to other staff.”
The company has also bettered one of the provisions stated in the Act. The policy to provide the same salary, terms and conditions for a staff re-employed in the same job, is in fact, an initiative by the company to do more for their workers.
NTUC First Campus currently employs 67 staff above the age of 62, and about 15 of them are aged above 65. These staff are usually placed on annual contracts. It is also prepared to hire workers beyond the re-employment age.
As a NTUC Social Enterprise, Ms Lee added that it is also important for NTUC First Campus to walk the talk of promoting inclusive growth in Singapore.
She said: “We want to be able to provide an inclusive and inspiring environment for all. As long as mature workers are physically fit and they want to contribute to the company, we will continue to give them the opportunity.”
