Average of 2,680 non-resident workers retrenched each year from 2021 to 2023 in Singapore
About 90% of the affected workers received a retrenchment benefit
AN AVERAGE of around 2,680 non-resident employees were retrenched each year in Singapore between 2021 and 2023, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng in a written parliamentary reply on Friday (Mar 7).
A majority were from the electronics manufacturing, information and communications and wholesale trade sectors, he added.
Total retrenchment figures came in at 8,020 in 2021, 6,440 in 2022 and 14,590 in 2023, indicated Ministry of Manpower (MOM) data.
Responding to Nominated Member of Parliament Jean See’s questions about retrenched migrant workers, Dr Tan said that MOM collects data on retrenched employees based on residential status but not work pass type.
Around 90 per cent of eligible employees – those with at least two years of service – received a retrenchment benefit, he noted.
See also asked how MOM ensures companies follow responsible retrenchment practices with regard to migrant workers.
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Dr Tan stressed that under the Tripartite Advisory for Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment, retrenchment should be an employer’s last resort.
Employers that do not follow the advisory will be engaged by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices, he added.
“Employers should conduct retrenchment responsibly and sensitively, be objective in the selection process and treat all employees with respect, regardless of employee background,” he said.
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