Breakdown of Re-employment Offer Terms for Retiring Workers by Role and Salary, and Ensuring Meaningful Re-employment

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Acting Minister for Manpower since January 2025 (a) how many workers reaching the statutory retirement age were offered re-employment with (i) the same role and salary (ii) the same salary, but different role and (iii) a role with reduced salary or benefits; (b) what is the median reduction in income where terms are changed; and (c) how the Ministry ensures that re-employment is meaningful, not merely formally and legally compliant.

Ms Jasmin Lau: Based on a survey conducted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in 2025, over nine in 10 resident workers who reached the statutory retirement age were offered re-employment in the same role. 1,2 Among resident workers who were re-employed in the same job, more than 98% did not experience reductions in salary, leave benefits or medical benefits. 1,3 MOM does not collect data on salary and benefits of those re-employed in different roles.

The Tripartite Guidelines on the Re-employment of Older Employees stipulate that any wage adjustments during re-employment should be based on reasonable factors, such as productivity, duties and responsibilities, and prevailing wage systems. Given that most workers who are re-employed in the same roles do not experience reductions in salary, leave benefits or medical benefits, this suggests that employers continue to value the experience and contributions of older workers.

Workers who feel that they have been offered re-employment with unreasonable terms and conditions may approach the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management for assistance.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 90:

1 Data pertain to private sector establishments each with at least 10 employees.

2 Data pertain to private sector resident employees who were offered re-employment on an existing contract or on a new fixed-term contract in the same job.

3 Data pertain to private sector resident employees who accepted a re-employment offer on an existing contract or a new fixed-term contract in the same job.