Against the backdrop of a resident working population 738,200 PMEs, or 34 per cent, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Patrick Tay shared that the Labour Movement will enhance its efforts to better support and protect this distinct segment.
Updating the media on 17 March 2016 on NTUC U PME Centre’s efforts in supporting PMEs over the last year, ASG Tay observed that a weaker global economy has seen increasing numbers of PME jobs being made redundant. He noted that this was especially prevalent in sectors such as Finance, Oil and Gas, and Manufacturing.
Citing figures from the number of cases between March 2015 and February 2016, ASG Tay revealed that 518 of the 887 cases handled by the U PME Centre were for placement. Of that figure, 77 per cent of the PMEs helped were aged 40 and above.
“I’m a bit concerned about this area because statistics have shown that when PMEs above 40 lose their jobs, it’s much harder for them to find new jobs. That’s one challenge we have in trying to place them,” said ASG Tay.
The Centre also saw a marginal increase in workplace “protection” cases, with 258 cases in the last 12 months, up from 212 in 2014. The Centre suite of services also include helping PMEs with professional development and privileges.
A One-Stop Resource for PMEs
As many PMEs may not be aware of the support available to them, such as the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices and the expanded scope of the Tripartite Mediation Framework, ASG Tay underscored the value-add of the U PME Centre as a one-stop centre for queries and advisory.
Doing More for PMEs
With an eye on the future, ASG Tay elaborated on two ongoing initiatives by the Labour Movement to better look after the needs of PMEs.
The first is a sustained push for a strong Singaporean core. The second looks at enhancing support for PMEs through greater inclusiveness of the Career Support Programme (CSP).
• Singaporean Core
To ensure a level playing field so that Singaporeans have equal and fair job opportunities, ASG Tay called for a stricter company-specific tiered approach.
Companies deemed to have a weak Singaporean Core and weak commitment to hire and groom Singaporeans need to be differentiated with stricter Employment Pass requirements.
“For these double ‘weak’ companies, we are advocating for more stringent scrutiny in their employment pass applications,” said ASG Tay.
More resolute measures, such as the suspension of Employment Pass applications and possibly, the imposition of a PME Dependency Ratio, have also been recommended as a means of establishing the Singaporean Core.
• Enhanced Career Support Programme
Given the tight labour situation, ASG Tay hopes that the CSP can be more comprehensive to cover more PMEs, not just those above the age of 40 and who have been out of job for more than six months.
“More can be done to increase awareness of the Career Support Programme because it encourages and supports employers to higher PMEs, in particular mature PMEs. At the same time, it gives employment and employability to the PMEs. It’s something the tripartite partners have to work together on,” he added.
PME Week 2016
With an eye on getting PMEs future-ready and future-proof, the PME Week is taking place from now till 9 April with a series of day forums, talks, seminars and workshops during lunch and evening hours.
