Fourteen companies have signed up for WorkPro, a Government programme to attract locals such as women and older residents back to work.

Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin announced this at an event Sunday morning at Toa Payoh HDB Hub. Jointly organised by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA), People's Association and Women's Integration Network, the event was geared at bringing women back into workforce.

The WDA has also appointed 12 WorkPro ambassadors to promote the programme, particularly amongst women. It aims to appoint 100 ambassadors by the middle of next year.

The WorkPro programmed was first announced in Parliament last month, and provides $170 million in funding to support companies in areas such as job redesign and training.

Said Mr Tan: "WorkPro will help employers create more progressive and work-life friendly workplaces. This will make it easier for working women to strike a balance between work and family, as well as create more flexible jobs for women who want to return to work.

"I strongly encourage employers to tap on the various forms of support that WorkPro provides, so that their employees can benefit from progressive workplace practices."