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SINGAPORE: A new task force has been created to assist vulnerable professionals, managers and executives (PMEs), particularly those in their 40s and 60s.
This was announced by the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) on Tuesday (Oct 27), and comes two months after the idea was first raised by the general secretary. of NTUC, Ng Chee Meng, in August. .
Mr. Ng outlined the task force’s key focus areas during his keynote address at the Labor Research Conference on Tuesday.
These include improving the employability of SMEs and reducing the risk of downsizing; encourage employers to retain and develop skills for the workforce and business transformations, as well as economic recovery; and the empowerment of SMEs through the improvement and updating of qualifications.
Jointly led by NTUC Deputy General Secretary Patrick Tay and SNEF Executive Director Sim Gim Guan, the task force is comprised of union and industry representatives from the industrial, service and public sectors.
“I know that SMEs, especially in the 40-60 age group, have been significantly affected by the weakened economy. The PME working group will work to help these PMEs, “said Mr. Ng.
“Ultimately, we want to strengthen the employability of our SMEs and build a skilled workforce with a strong core from Singapore,” he added.
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ACCESS TO GOOD JOBS
The task force aims to help SMEs that are “more vulnerable due to economic transformation and digital disruption,” SNEF and NTUC said in a joint press release.
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven Singapore into an economic recession, putting jobs at risk and leading to a surge in layoffs.
PMETs accounted for 50.8 percent of local staff reduction figures in the second quarter of this year, according to the labor market report from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Her return to employment rate after being laid off also fell to 55.5 percent in the second quarter, compared to 61.6 percent in the prior quarter.
“Local SMEs have been hit hard by the recession, and the situation is likely to worsen as Singapore’s economy continues to experience the domino effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Tay said.
“In this context, we must ensure that our SMEs are adequately protected, have access to good jobs and are equipped with the relevant skills, so that they can thrive in this new normal,” he added.
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KEY CONCERNS
Over the next six months, the working group will engage and engage SMEs and employers in various segments through a series of surveys, focus group discussions and events, NTUC and SNEF said.
This will allow the working group to identify key concerns of SMEs and the needs of different groups, gather feedback from employers on potential skills gaps in the workforce, as well as work with government agencies to review policies that affect SMEs.
Research will also be conducted to gain insight into future trends, with the aim of giving PMEs a head start to seize future opportunities, according to the statement.
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The task force will then provide recommendations on government policy, HR best practices for businesses, and PME training by May Day next year.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many challenges for our employers and workers,” said SNEF Executive Director Sim Gim Guan.
“I firmly believe that for businesses to prosper, our people must also prosper. Therefore, it is timely that we come together to see how we can better support our SMEs, especially our mature SMEs, to meet the labor demand of employers and help drive their business growth and sustainability agenda. “
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