Written Answer to PQ on Retrenchments Among Residents Aged 50 to 59

NOTICE PAPER NO. 971 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 7 JULY 2026
QUESTION NO. 2429 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Ms Cassandra Lee

To ask the Minister for Manpower given the increase in retrenchment incidence among residents aged 50 to 59 in the first quarter of 2026 (a) whether the Ministry can provide a breakdown of retrenchments by sector and occupation; and (b) whether the Ministry tracks if older retrenched residents secure re-employment at comparable wages and seniority.

Answer:

In the first quarter of 2026, the profile of retrenched residents aged 50 to 59 was broadly similar to the profile of all retrenched residents, predominantly comprising Professionals, Managers, Executives & Technicians (PMETs) and were mainly from Wholesale & Retail Trade, Manufacturing, Financial & Insurance Services, and Professional Services.

2 Among residents aged 50 to 59, the rate of re-entry into employment six months after retrenchment was 51.8%, rising to 63.2% at the twelve-month mark. Among those who re-entered, around 8 in 10 entered similar or higher-skilled occupations and more than half received similar or higher wages in their full-time roles.