Written Answer to PQ on Support for retrenched workers

NOTICE PAPER NO. 124 FOR THE SITTING ON 16 OCTOBER 2025
QUESTION NO. 567 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Saktiandi Supaat

To ask the Minister for Manpower in light of recent announcement by foreign firms of staff cuts in Singapore (a) what measures is the Government adopting to maintain employment stability and attract or retain multinational investments; (b) whether there are targeted supports or retraining programs for affected workers in sectors impacted by such downsizing.

Answer:

While some foreign firms have announced staff cuts recently, overall retrenchments remain within historical ranges, and good jobs continue to be created. In 2024, the number of residents in professional, manager, executive and technician (PMET) jobs grew by about 35,000, mainly in higher-paying growth sectors like Financial Services, Information & Communications and Professional Services, reflecting continued creation of quality jobs for locals. We continue to attract and retain foreign investments through a pro-business environment, a skilled workforce and strong infrastructure.

2. Where there is downsizing in certain areas, the Taskforce for Responsible Retrenchment and Employment Facilitation makes concerted efforts to reach out to affected retrenched workers and offer career matching services and referrals to our training programmes, helping them move into growth areas. We have put in place a comprehensive suite of programmes to support workers to take on new job roles with good longer-term prospects. These include the Career Conversion Programmes, SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, and Mid-Career Pathways Programme. In addition, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme provides temporary financial support of up to $6,000 over six months to eligible lower and middle-income retrenched individuals to support them in finding a job that makes better use of their skills and experience.