UNEMPLOYED REGISTERED AT LABOUR EXCHANGE (Steps to secure employment)

Mr Seah Peng Chuan asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare whether there are persons who have been registered at the Labour Exchange for some years now, who have so far been unable to secure employment; and what steps the Government proposes to take to secure employment for these people as soon as possible.

Dr Lim Yew Hock: Mr Speaker, Sir, the numbers of persons whose names have been on the live register classified by duration of unemployment in respect of periods exceeding six months are as follows: Six months to one year 653 persons One year to two years 608 " Two to three years ... 211 persons Three years and over ... 14 "

It is considered not profitable to initiate any national scheme for the special purpose of providing employment to the 225 persons who have been unemployed for more than two years, because most of them are unemployable due to old age, to health and to low standards of skill.