SINGAPORE: Singapore's main focus is on the
longer-term challenge of building a better future for its people,
Deputy Prime Minister and Manpower Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam
said in his May Day message on Thursday.
He said everything the government does is aimed at
achieving inclusive growth which benefits all Singaporean
workers.
Mr Tharman added that the government is working with
small- and medium-sized enterprises to help them to upgrade their
operations and stay competitive in a tight labour market.
As for lower-wage workers, they can tap on the Workfare Income
Supplement and Workfare Training Support schemes, which encourage
them to find regular work and help them progress through training
and skills upgrading.
Tripartite partners are also urged to promote best sourcing as many
lower-wage workers are employed in industries where outsourcing is
common, such as the cleaning and security industries.
Mr Tharman said service buyers must outsource responsibly, so that
service providers are focused on service quality and productivity,
and on improving employment conditions and wages for their
workers.
The government, as a major service buyer, will lead by example in
best sourcing practices by procuring only from accredited cleaning
companies and well-graded security agencies.
The government will also closely monitor and study the impact of
the Retirement and Reemployment Act that came into effect in
January this year as well as the Special Employment Credit.
Mr Tharman said that Singapore must stay open to expertise from
around the world and enable companies to have the diverse teams
that allow them to remain competitive.
But at the same time, Singapore must do its utmost to maximize
every Singaporean's potential, and develop local capabilities that
give Singapore its sustainable advantage.
- CNA/al
