NTUC Industry Transformation and Productivity Director Desmond Choo urged employers to come on board the Labour Movement’s Returners Programme and consider offering job trials to professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) looking to return to the workforce. This was said in his Facebook post on 13 July 2017.
The Returners Programme, a concept similar to an internship, was proposed by Labour Members of Parliament in April 2017 to help stay-at-home parents who are professionals, managers and executives and technicians (PMETs) to return to the workforce. Through the programme, employers will get funding support when taking on professionals looking to get back to work.
“The returners are a latent talent pool who may currently be out of the workforce but have amassed years of experience in their former careers. Additionally, they have also gained newfound perspectives and strengths – such as resourcefulness, resilience and heightened multi-tasking abilities – during the time they spent on personal commitments.
“From the various returners that I have met in both my NTUC and grassroots capacities, one thing was clear – they are ready to do what it takes to transit back into the workforce and are raring to go,” said Mr Choo.
Support from Government
He added that he is heartened by the support shown by Second Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo for the Returners Programme.
In her Facebook post on the same day, Second Minister Teo said: “When I started work at MOM in May, I was keen to support the NTUC’s Returners proposal because it is beneficial for both the PMETs who had stayed home to get back to work and their prospective employers. Of course, the PMETs may need the training to refresh their skills, and I believe NTUC is keen to help.”
Second Minister Teo added that the tripartite partners want to encourage more companies to adopt progressive workplace practices.
“We plan to introduce a series of Tripartite Standards that will help job seekers identify such good employers, including those that offer flexible work arrangements not just for parents but also for those with other caregiving needs.
“We might also support companies which offer job-sharing opportunities. With these, we hope to drum up companies’ support for working parents and make inclusive workplaces a norm in Singapore,” she said.
Retaining Returners
Mr Choo highlighted that attention must also be paid to retaining workers after they return to the workforce.
He said: “Employers have increasingly responded to the ongoing calls to create a supportive environment with family-friendly measures in the workplaces … We want to work with more progressive employers in creating a work environment and culture that is forward-looking, supportive and appreciative of the key resource that they have – their skilled talent.”
For employers or individuals keen to participate in the Returners Programme, contact NTUC U Family at ufamily@ntuc.org.sg.
