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SINGAPORE: A plan to encourage companies to hire local workers to support ex-offenders will be further enhanced, Human Resources Minister Josephine Teo said on Friday (December 4).
Under the Job Growth Incentive (JGI), which was introduced in August, the Government will co-pay 25 percent of the first S $ 5,000 of gross monthly salary for each new local employee under 40, for a maximum of 12 months from the hiring month. This applies to companies that meet the qualification criteria.
The copayment goes up to 50 percent for workers 40 and older.
Ms. Teo noted that the highest level of salary support was extended in October to eligible employers who hire people with disabilities.
“To support an even more inclusive workforce, the JGI will be further enhanced to support ex-offenders as well,” the Labor Minister said in a Facebook post.
“For employers who include ex-offenders in their workforce expansion, we will provide the highest level of wage support of 50 percent, regardless of age.”
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About 10,000 criminals are released from jail each year, Ms Teo said, adding that they face challenges including returning to work.
“However, it is very important that they do so, to become full members of society again,” he said.
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For ex-offenders placed through the support of the Yellow Ribbon Singapore, Industrial and Services Co-operative Society (ISCOS), or transition houses contracted with Singapore Prison Service, eligible employers will automatically receive the highest level of JGI.
For all other employers of ex-offenders, the highest level of support would be provided upon request.
“I urge employers to be inclusive. Give an ex-offender a second chance to rebuild a new life,” Ms Teo said.
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