By Ryan Chan
The Labour Movement will support all mature workers as they look to push the re-employment age up from 65 to 67.
One of the misconceptions highlighted during NTUC Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) Heng Chee How’s radio interview with DJ Huang Shu Jun on Capital 95.8FM on 9 June 2015 was that mature workers could only now retire at the age of 67.
DSG Heng clarified the move now means that mature workers have more flexible work options. Workers can choose not to be re-employed and enjoy their retirement, but there are workers, he explained, who feel they are fit enough to continue working.
“Hiring mature workers is very beneficial to companies. The experience that they bring to the industry is invaluable,” he said.
Currently, under the Retirement and Re-employment Act (RRA), the minimum retirement age is 62, with all employers required to offer re-employment to eligible employees to continue their employment in the organisation up to the age of 65.
Workers’ Concerns
On the Mandarin talkshow, listeners were invited to call in to voice their concerns and ask DSG Heng questions regarding the matter.
One of the callers was a 61-year-old male whose company stopped offering re-employment to workers who reach the age of 65. They were told by the company that the law states that no re-employment can be offered beyond 65.
DSG Heng clarified that while there is no law that stipulates a company is required to re-employ workers beyond 65, the reason offered by the company was incorrect. He also highlighted how many companies offer re-employment to workers past 65, due to the value they bring in terms of experience.
Re-Employment Eligibility
Another caller was a 62-year-old female who underwent an operation the year before. As a result of her hospitalisation, her employer adjudged her performance to be poor despite doctors declaring her to be fully recovered and medically fit.
Source: NTUC This Week
