Age Profile of Those on Work Support Scheme

Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in respect of the Work Support Scheme (a) at year-end of 2012 and 2013, how many on the scheme are aged (i) 45 to 55; (ii) 56 to 65; and (iii) above 65; (b) how long do the participants spend on the scheme on average in each of the years of 2012 and 2013; and (c) how does the Ministry measure the success of the scheme, for example, with reference to job retention rates.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: The relevant data is shown in the table below.

The Ministry tracks the job placement rate of beneficiaries who receive case management support. From 2008 to 2012, about three in four unemployed beneficiaries were placed in jobs. About 65% of all beneficiaries who were case-managed saw an increase in their income.