Written Answer to PQ on Supporting persons with disabilities (PWDs) to WFH

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2132 OF 2023 FOR THE SITTING ON 18 SEPTEMBER 2023
QUESTION NO. 4916 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Christopher de Souza

To ask the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider initiating policies to (i) allow persons with disabilities (PWDs) the right to work from home (WFH) (ii) provide PWDs with both software and hardware support to WFH and (iii) provide training to PWDs to equip them with the digital literacy to be able to WFH.

Answer:

1. For flexible work arrangements (FWAs) to be effective and sustainable, employers must be able to consider both their employees’ needs, the requirements of the job, and the businesses’ needs before deciding on the appropriate work arrangements. Hence, we encourage but do not require employers to offer FWAs. Requiring employers to offer FWAs to a certain group of employees, such as persons with disabilities, could also affect their employability.

2. Nevertheless, to support the employment of persons with disabilities, tripartite partners will be developing a Tripartite Advisory to guide employers in providing reasonable accommodations at the workplace for their employees with disabilities. Persons with disabilities and their employers who are keen to set up telecommuting arrangements can approach SG Enable for assistance. Employers can tap on the Open Door Programme Job Redesign Grant to cover up to 90% of the related costs. Persons with disabilities can also enrol in subsidised programmes by SG Enable’s Enabling Academy to learn digital literacy skills for remote work.