When Mark (not his real name) was released in 2004, he was determined to turn over a new leaf. After all, it was his fourth incarceration.
And he did turn over a new leaf. He managed to stay off drugs for a long while and was gainfully employed. He even spent four years working as a counsellor at a halfway house.
But 13 years later, in 2017, the law caught up with him after he went back to his old ways. He was sentenced to six years in prison for drug consumption and trafficking.
“Everything crashed down. I had to start all over again.
“I was too complacent. I spent 11 years off drugs. So I told myself, ‘Hey, I’m okay. Why not do another one-off?’ But there’s a saying, ‘One puff too many, a thousand not enough.’ I feel so frustrated,” he said.
Mark, now 51 years old, is set to end his sentence this year. What he hopes to have when he gets out is a support system.
Mark mentioned the need for an employment support system for ex-offenders during an #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations on 9 March 2023, organised by NTUC in collaboration with Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) and Singapore Prison Service (SPS).
The focus group discussion marked the third session where the Labour Movement sought to understand the aspirations and challenges ex-offenders face as they transition back into society and the workplace.
The first session, co-hosted with YRSG on 13 January 2023, was attended by almost 140 participants comprising ex-offenders, employers, aftercare partners, and union representatives.
The following two sessions, held on 13 February and 9 March, engaged over 50 inmates at Changi Prison Complex.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, who attended the final round of discussions on 9 March, said: “When we launched the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations last year, we committed to engaging as many worker segments as possible and breaking new ground where possible. Our engagement with ex-offenders and inmates exemplifies this commitment.
“Our efforts will not stop here, and we will work towards better training and work outcomes for this group of vulnerable workers.”
Other concerns during the discussions include workplace inclusion, with many participants expressing apprehension about facing workplace discrimination, even if they have turned over a new leaf.
And while pre-release training and job placement support have become more accessible to inmates, many have called for more on-the-job training to help them adapt to jobs. This is especially after prolonged periods away from work.
Another inmate, 50-year-old Jerry (not his real name), said some inmates have no direction on their employment after serving their sentences.
He added that help avenues like NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) could help inmates match the most suitable jobs.
“They [e2i] can share with us which industries would be more suitable and then enlighten us which courses to attend, rather than us having no direction and choosing a job,” Jerry said.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay assured ex-offenders and inmates that the NTUC’s Training and Placement Ecosystem would continue to support them in their transition back to work.
“Building the pool of inclusive employers, job retention, and career progression are longer-term challenges that the Labour Movement hopes to address together with employers, unions, and partners so that ex-offenders can look to their jobs as a source of confidence and purpose.
“This begins with fair employment practices, which we will continue to push for all segments of workers, ex-offenders included,” Mr Tay added.
The employment support ecosystem for ex-offenders comprises both training and placement initiatives.
Since 2007, NTUC LearningHub has been working with YRSG to provide training to inmates. Last year, they introduced the Digital Citizenship with Coding Fundamentals programme to uplift inmates and ex-offenders in the digital literacy domain to prepare them for future employment.
e2i has also been working with partners such as YRSG to support ex-offenders with career resources such as employability workshops before job interviews and career coaching and job matching services.
Both inmates Mark and Jerry, who are set to be released this year, have taken various WSQ Certification programmes to prepare for their next phase in life.
They are thankful for the opportunity to participate in the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations and the work done by NTUC and its partners.
Jerry said: “I am very thankful that with these discussions, our voices are heard, even though we are not released yet. Knowing that a job is waiting for us when released gives us a sense of security. I am very thankful that many partners are supporting us with training and courses to prepare us for work.”
Mark said: “It is great that we participated in these discussions because it gave my fellow inmates and me a chance to share our concerns about going back out to work. It is good to know that some people will support us once we are released too. I look forward to starting work and hopefully career progression.”
The focus group discussions were part of the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations, a larger-scale series of engagements by the Labour Movement to engage all workers across various life stages.
To participate in the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations, visit conversations.ntuc.sg.
