The Labour Movement welcomes the introduction of the new programme - WorkPro, which consolidates existing funding programmes, Work-Life Works! (WoW!) Fund, Flexi-Works! and ADVANTAGE!. The programme will provide increased support in attracting and recruiting more female workers and older workers back to the workforce.
Companies will now have added incentive to enable older workers to continue in active and meaningful employment. Thus, we are encouraged to see the government give companies the necessary support and call on them to be forthcoming in their efforts in the areas of age management, job re-design and incentivised recruitment focused on older workers.
Similarly, with the recent calls and rise in need for companies to provide flexible work arrangements and job redesign to attract female workers back to the workforce, the new programme comes in timely. It is heartening that the funding can now support both companies and the job-seekers in encouraging work-life harmony, to ensure a win-win for both parties.
The Labour Movement, through its Women’s Development Secretariat (WDS) and ULive@Work will continue to work with the relevant agencies, and broaden its outreach to companies and union members, to help more female and older workers re-join the workforce.
Cham Hui Fong
Assistant Secretary-General
National Trades Union Congress
