By Ramesh Subbaraman
The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) has spelt out steps it will take to help companies which have been identified as “double weak” and “triple weak” by the Manpower Ministry, to build up the Singaporean Core amongst its workforce.
TAFEP defines “double weak” companies as those with a weak Singaporean Core, and a weak commitment to nurture the Singaporean Core
while “Triple Weak” companies are additionally weak in their economic linkage or social impact.
The Reasons
TAFEP said that about 100 ”triple weak” firms have been sent the advisory letter about their Singaporean Core shortcomings.
The firms come from a range of industries such as Construction, Infocomm, Finance & Insurance, Professional Services, Transport & Storage and Wholesale Trade.
Some of the common reasons given by these companies for not being able to strengthen their Singaporean Core include challenges in attracting and retaining Singaporeans or that they are in the process of improving their employment practices.
The Process
Under TAFEP’s counselling and engagement process, companies in the “double” and “triple weak” categories have to share their plans to strengthen their Singaporean PME core.
They must also show that they have considered Singaporeans fairly for job opportunities and career development.
Such companies will be encouraged to work with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), including participating in their programmes to search for suitable Singaporeans to fill vacancies and train Singaporeans for positions.
And should these firms not be responsive and continue to have a weak Singaporean Core, TAFEP would consider recommending the Manpower Ministry to curtail their work pass privileges.
-
