Work in progress: Older workers clamour for more inclusion as unemployment swells

Programmes have a long way to go.

While the city-state has successfully trimmed down the unemployment rate for workers in their prime, there’s no discounting that there’s still work to be done in toning down the workforce inclusion of its older residents.

According to a report by Randstad, while the employment of older residents has risen from one in four in 2006 to one in three in 2015, programmes such as SkillsFuture have to run their entire pace in order to properly address workplace ageism and employability.

This has never been more urgent, as Singapore’s workforce is rapidly aging.

“The unemployment rate has risen for older residents aged 50 and over, signalling that more work needs to be done to encourage firms to retain or rehire older workers,” Randstad said.

Randstad added that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has also discussed the importance of lifelong employability at a recent meeting with APEC leaders, not just to relieve the potential strain on Singapore’s economy, but also contribute to the country’s growth.

Meanwhile, Randstad added that companies should also utilise government grants when rehiring mature workers, which provide incentives for companies to retain or hire workers aged 65 and above.

“Meanwhile, employees can consider alternative opportunities such as contract work to get their foot back into the workforce, which has the added benefit of providing them with more flexible working conditions,” the report said.