PROLONGED AND STRUCTURAL UNEMPLOYMENT

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Manpower, in view of the current worsening economic situation, whether he foresees the possibility of prolonged unemployment of up to a year or more for older and unskilled workers.

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Manpower whether Singapore will face structural unemployment in the next two to three years and, if so, whether the current policy on training of workers is sufficient to cope with the situation.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Sir, Question Nos. 16 and 17 are also connected. May I have your permission to take them together?

Mr Speaker: I am afraid there is not much time.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Sir, older and unskilled workers are the most vulnerable group in an economic slowdown. Whether they will face prolonged unemployment for up to a year or more depends on several factors. Firstly, are there still jobs for these workers? The answer is yes, there are still many jobs, especially in the services sector, which can be done by older and unskilled workers. 1.30 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No. 21(3), Written answers (Cols. 717-722) to Question Nos. 16, 17, 22, 33, 35, 37, 40 and 41 on the Order Paper are reproduced in Appendix 1. Question Nos. 18-21, 23-32, 34, 36, 38-39 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 3rd August 1998.]