FIVE-DAY WORK WEEK

Mr Steve Chia Kiah Hong asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether he will clarify (i) his rejection in the media of having a 5-day work week for civil servants; and (ii) how will individual civil servants scheduled to work any five days a week affect the functioning of the civil service on weekends.

BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: The Government will study the recommendations of the Remaking Singapore Committee, including the proposal for a 5-day week, before deciding which recommendations to accept.

But from the Public Service Division's perspective, Government ministries are given some flexibility in deciding on their working hours, so long as the work week remains at 42 hours, and ministries continue to be open for business at least five and a half days a week. Within this framework, most Government agencies are able to set up alternate Saturday-off arrangements, while offering longer operation hours to service the public.

Adopting a 5-day work week for the civil service now will send the wrong signal. Private sector companies are facing immediate difficulties, arising from SARS and the economic downturn. They need to tide over this difficult period, and also implement urgent wage reforms. Going on 5-day week should not be a top priority for them or the civil service.

As I have said, many MNCs, and their production lines, are working 24-7. It is important that our working hours be in tune with the needs of the global economy, and not be bound by rigid rules on working hours.