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Written Answer by Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister for Manpower, to Parliamentary Question on Workers Retrenched in 2014

Notice Paper No. 126 Of 2015 For The Sitting On 11 May 2015 Question No. 245 For Written Answer 

MP: Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) of the 12,930 workers laid off in 2014, how many were (i) citizens and (ii) permanent residents; and (b) of the residents (citizens and permanent residents), how many received retrenchment benefits (over and above notice period pay) that are equivalent to their last drawn salary of (i) more than 6 months; (ii) between 4 and 6 months inclusive; (iii) between 1 and 3 months inclusive; (iv) less than 1 month; and (v) none at all.

Answer

  1. Fewer residents were laid off in 2014 compared to 2013. Of the 12,930 workers laid off in 2014, 7,240 or 56% were residents. This is lower than their two-thirds representation in the workforce. Data on the retrenchment benefits paid to this group is not available.
  2. As the economy restructures, some consolidation and exit of businesses will take place. MOM, WDA and the tripartite partners stand ready to help locals who have been laid off to re-skill and upgrade, to put them in a good position to take on new jobs.  The resident long-term unemployment rate, reflecting those who have been unemployed for 25 weeks or more, has been low at 0.6%, and is among the lowest globally.