Oral Answer to PQ on Extending wage support to chronically ill persons

NOTICE PAPER NO. 506 OF 2026 FOR SITTING ON OR AFTER 24 FEBRUARY 2026
QUESTION NO. 1427 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Assoc Prof Terence Ho

To ask the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider extending wage offsets or other forms of support to encourage the hiring of chronically ill persons, such as kidney dialysis patients, who may not meet the prevailing definition of persons with disability.

Answer:

Persons with chronic illnesses are a diverse group, and a differentiated approach is needed to support them. Those who require time for treatment, such as kidney dialysis patients, may request for flexible work schedules to accommodate their treatment regime. The Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Requests support such requests. Others might need workplace adjustments or modified duties to ease physical strain and workloads, which employers would need to work out on a case-by-case basis. Yet others who are on longer-term immunosuppressives may need the understanding and support of employers to provide less crowded workplaces and personal protective equipment. The tripartite partners provide various resources to help employers implement these arrangements, such as the Singapore National Employers Federation’s workshops which guide employers on FWA implementation.

2. The Government recognises the importance of supporting all workers, including those managing chronic conditions, to remain in employment. Beyond support for FWAs, individuals can tap on a broader suite of employment support, including job matching and career advisory services provided by Workforce Singapore and NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute. These agencies work closely with jobseekers to understand their circumstances and match them to suitable roles that accommodate their needs.