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Oral Answer to PQ on caregivers' employment status and retirement adequacy

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3164 OF 2024 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 15 OCTOBER 2024 

QUESTION NO. 6735 FOR ORAL ANSWER 

MP: Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song 

To ask the Minister for Manpower in view of the estimated cost of informal caregiving in Singapore valued at $1.28 billion, whether the Government has studied or will the Government be studying the number of people who (i) are carrying out unpaid caregiving and their age range; (ii) quit their full-time jobs to conduct unpaid caregiving and their age range and (iii) may not have the means to support themselves when they themselves become seniors.

Answer 


1. As a rough approximation based on available data, in 2023, there were around 89,000 residents outside the labour force due to caregiving responsibilities. Of these: 

  • Around 3,000 were aged 15-29, 
  • 17,000 were aged 30-39, 
  • 22,000 were aged 40-49, and 
  • 47,000 were aged 50 and above. 

We do not have specific data on the number of residents who are carrying out unpaid caregiving, and how many do not have the means to support themselves when they become seniors.

2. We recognise the importance of supporting caregivers in terms of their employment and retirement adequacy. There are various job placement and skills upgrading measures for those who wish to return to work, as well as CPF support schemes to boost their retirement adequacy. We will continue to review our efforts so that there will be adequate support for caregivers who are vulnerable.