EMPLOYMENT SERVICE DEPARTMENT (Usefulness)

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Labour how many people are listed in the Employment Service Department for job offers as at the latest convenient date; and whether the Department is still serving a useful purpose in view of the current good job market.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Mr Speaker, Sir, there were 3,379 job-seekers registered with the Employment Service Department (ESD) on 19th February this year.

With the present good economic conditions, most job seekers would not need much help to find employment. My Ministry has therefore retained only a core staff in the ESD.

Even in good times, however, there are still some workers who need assistance to find jobs. These are mainly the unskilled and older workers. Many Members of Parliament have also come across constituents who have some difficulty getting a job and have found the ESD a useful avenue for assistance.

If the expertise of the ESD is to be available to help the unemployed during a recession, it must continue this service, but at a reduced level, during economic booms.