The company I worked in almost always replace with a younger
worker when an older one leaves. Does that means no older
applicants?
One woman 48 years old with degree in BA and currently taking
diploma in child Psyhco applied for the job in logistics accounting
which does not require accounting degree.
Anyway, most of the companys accountancy jobs for the Asia Pacific
region are outsourced to Malaysia. There are about 400 accountants
in KL working for this global company.
Big companies usually have their own guidelines on how to do a
particular job and employees are to learn about them in the
companys intranet. Its different from whats been taught in
school and certainly different from company to company. Even
accountancy grads also have problems doing the companys
accounts.
Back to the applicant. Her previous job experience whether relevant
or not is immaterial. She asked for higher salary. A younger
applicant got a job but shes paid less. The company policy does
not discriminate older workers but in practice its different story
for the person that hires.
So, not practical to ask higher wages because of previous
experience, unlike the situation in the past.
MOM drawn guidelines for hiring older workers are not followed
unless its legislated ASAP. To change the employers mindsets may
take much longer time.
If let market decide a fair wage, Singaporeans will lose
competitiveness, with so many foreigners coming in.
And theres the high cost of living to consider. Can that 48 years
old woman accept a lower wage if she has a family to support?
Children, aged parents
.
Our Govt has to address this isuue - what is the minimum income in
Singapore large enough to live on and come up with a solution
fast.
As for what sort of jobs the 40 over can apply or want a mid-career
switch, can go to Singapores Workforce Development Agency (WDA)
website.
