This year’s Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) Appreciation Awards, themed ‘Embracing Inclusiveness; Appreciating U!’ honoured 56 organisations and individuals who have contributed to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Heng Chee How graced the occasion and commended on the efforts of the award winners.
Speaking at the event, DSG Heng shared how ex-offenders are a valuable source of hires to meet the manpower crunch.
He explained the number of employers who have partnered SCORE to offer ex-offenders jobs has doubled over the last four years, from 1,500 to 3,100.
"The hospitality industry is one industry that has already moved forward to take full advantage of this source of manpower, namely the former offenders who are rejoining society.
“So I think this opens up the idea to all other industries as well to say that’s much to be tapped here," said Mr Heng.
He added this showed that employers were more aware of this source of manpower and were looking for ways to counter a tight manpower situation.
In December this year, SCORE will provide inmates with industry-specific courses to better meet the demands of employers.
