Written Answer to PQ on making CPF contributions mandatory for platform workers

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1384 OF 2022 FOR SITTING ON 4 OCT 2022 

QUESTION NO. 3450 FOR ORAL ANSWER

CONVERTED TO WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Ms Hazel Poa

To ask the Minister for Manpower whether he can provide an update on the study into making CPF contributions mandatory for platform workers.

Answer

The Advisory Committee on Platform Workers has been engaging extensively over the past months with platform companies and workers on strengthening protection for platform workers, including mandatory CPF contributions.

While more than half of platform workers who responded to our public consultation on CPF contributions felt that mandatory contributions are important for their retirement and housing needs, we note that some of them are concerned about the impact on take-home earnings. Although platform companies recognise the importance for platform workers to build up their CPF for retirement and housing needs, the companies have raised concerns that such a move will result in increase in business cost.

Given the complexity of this issue, it is important for the Committee to discuss any proposal thoroughly with both workers and companies. The Committee remains on course to complete its work by the end of this year.