S1E47: Tan See Leng: How tough talks resulted in job seeker support

The Straits Times Podcasts

The SkillsFuture JobSeeker Support aims to help the retrenched tide over financially, while between jobs, after tough talks with unions, employers and the Government.

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.

As the global economy changes more rapidly and unpredictably, workers may face more risk from job loss despite best efforts.

Yet, going out of a job can pose a hit to household finances. In an era of rising cost of living, lower- and middle-income workers are more likely to jump on the first job offer without considering their aptitudes.

To give these workers more time to find the ‘right’ job for them, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will be launched in April 2025, with financial support structured to spur an active job search without incentivising prolonged unemployment.

The scheme, estimated to cost the Government $200 million every year, comes as a result of tough talks among employers, unions and the Government.

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and journalist Tay Hong Yi host Manpower minister Tan See Leng to learn how the scheme has taken shape behind the scenes.

Highlights (click/tap above):

5:38 On the Government relooking its position on financial support for those who have lost jobs

11:11 On the scheme’s gestation: What took place behind the scenes

17:51 What are the safeguards in place for the scheme and why?

21:48 Eligibility criteria: Too complex to understand for job seekers?

25:36 Will the scheme help workers at higher risk?

28:58 How does this scheme reflect the 4G leadership’s approach to policymaking?

Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH

Read Tay Hong Yi’s articles: https://str.sg/dSAE

Hosts: Lynda Hong ([e-mail]) and Tay Hong Yi ([e-mail])

Produced and edited by: Studio+65 and Hadyu Rahim

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

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Hoofdstukken

1. Tan See Leng: How tough talks resulted in job seeker support (00:00:00)

2. Govt reconsiders job loss support (00:05:38)

3. Behind the scenes on the scheme's gestation (00:11:11)

4. Safeguards in place for the scheme and why? (00:17:51)

5. Are the eligibility criteria too complex? (00:21:48)

6. Will the scheme help workers at higher risk? (00:25:36)

7. How does the scheme reflect 4G leadership? (00:28:58)