The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is pleased to note that Singapore workers continue to see high employment rates as seen in the “Singapore Workforce, 2012” report by the Ministry of Manpower.
Particularly, we are happy that the employment rate for older workers had increased and continued to grow at a faster pace with 64 per cent of residents aged 55 to 64 employed in 2012 from 61.2 per cent in 2011. This improved employment rate signals continued employability for older workers, and is a positive development for Singapore as we address the needs of an aging population.
The results from the report are aligned to a recent survey carried out by the NTUC Re-employment Group (REG) between July and September 2012. The survey received responses from 118 unionised companies.
From the 54 companies which had workers turning 62 years old in 2012, over 90 per cent (607) of these workers were offered re-employment. Out of these who were offered re-employment, 97 per cent (589) accepted re-employment.
Of the 118 companies surveyed, about three in 4 companies do not adjust the wages for the same job for re-employed older workers.
Given the generally smooth outcome, I hope the tripartite partners would consider further enhancing the upper end of the legally mandated re-employment age from 65 to 67. This will not only enable more older workers to earn income for more years, but would also help companies meet the challenges of a tight labour market and reduce reliance on foreign labour.
Heng Chee How
Deputy Secretary-General
National Trades Union Congress
