Workers' Party calls for contributions of mature workers to be valued

The Workers' Party has urged all employers to appreciate the value of mature workers, as Singapore celebrates Labour Day on Thursday, May 1, 2014. -- ST FILE PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
The Workers' Party has urged all employers to appreciate the value of mature workers, as Singapore celebrates Labour Day on Thursday, May 1, 2014. -- ST FILE PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

The Workers' Party has urged all employers to appreciate the value of mature workers, as Singapore celebrates Labour Day on Thursday.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Gerald Giam, who chairs the WP's media team, said bosses have described these workers as having more experience, loyalty and commitment, and also a stronger work ethic.

"We urge all employers to appreciate these positive attributes in mature workers, especially when considering them for employment and re-employment," he said.

The WP, said Mr Giam, had flagged mature workers as a particular area of concern in the past. Close to two-thirds of all resident workers who lost their jobs last year were aged 40 and above, added the Non-Constituency MP.

This group were less likely than younger workers to be re-hired after becoming unemployed, he said, quoting government statistics that found less than half of the group had gotten a job within six months of unemployment.

"Many have lamented about being replaced by younger workers, including foreigners earning lower salaries," said Mr Giam.

He added that employers should give priority to hiring Singaporeans, and should consider only foreign workers in positions that Singaporeans could not fill.

The Fair Consideration Framework, under which certain firms must prove they tried to hire a Singaporean first before they can recruit a foreign professional, should work for the benfit of all Singaporeans, including mature workers, when it goes into effect this year, said the statement.

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