Newly announced programme WorkPro aims to encourage employers to cultivate progressive workplaces through providing help and support when they employ mature workers and back-to-work locals, or place their employees on flexible work arrangements (FWAs).
Minister of State for Manpower Dr Amy Khor unveiled details of the programme during her speech in the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Committee of Supply 2013, adding that it was designed to help Singaporeans re-join the workforce.
Dr Khor said: “WorkPro will help employers to improve work-life harmony and better attract and retain locals. Secondly, it will help companies tap on back-to-work locals and older workers by supporting job-redesign, on-the-job training, recruitment, and retention efforts.”
A total of $170 million will be set aside over three years to support workers and employers, and it is expected that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will form 70 per cent of the companies that will benefit from WorkPro.
The tripartite programme is jointly developed by the Ministry of Manpower Singapore, Singapore Workforce Development Agency, Singapore National Employers’ Federation and the National Trades Union Congress.
Dr Khor revealed that WorkPro is a consolidation and enhancement of existing programmes Work-Life Works! (WoW!) Fund, Flexi-Works! and Advantage!
