WORKFARE SCHEME (Assistance to needy Singaporeans)

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WORKFARE SCHEME:

(Assistance to needy Singaporeans): 7.

Assoc. Prof. Ong Soh Khim asked the Minister for Manpower how will the Workfare scheme help needy Singaporeans in the bottom 20% of the population, especially those who work in non-CPF contributing occupations, such as home-nannies, cottage businesses, etc, and those who are unable to work, especially singles, because of their need to look after ailing parents.

The Minister for Manpower (Dr Ng Eng Hen): Mr Speaker, Sir, Prof. Ong asked how Workfare will help needy Singaporeans, especially those who work in non-CPF contributing occupations, and those who are unable to work.

Let me first reiterate to the House that Workfare - as the Ministerial Committee on Low-Wage Workers debated and finally formulated, conceptualised and put forth its recommendations - is an assistance package based on work and not need. This needed to be articulated explicitly. Because Workfare aims to ensure that all who can work will find meaningful jobs, earn adequate wages and support themselves and their children. And through Workfare, we hope that they will gain self-reliance, through their own efforts own their homes, educate their children, and put aside enough for their medical and retirement needs. For those who are truly needy, as Prof. Ong has

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asked, but physically or mentally incapable of work, ComCare will continue to be the safety net.

For the Workfare Bonus Scheme, eligible low-wage workers who are employees will qualify for the bonus based on their CPF contributions. Eligible self-employed persons will qualify if they have declared their income to IRAS. For those low-wage workers without CPF contributions or have not made declarations to IRAS, we will provide avenues to facilitate these workers to get their bonus, and more details will be announced after the Budget.

Prof. Ong also asked for those who could not work because they have to take care of their dependants. We sympathise with them. We paid special attention to this group during our deliberations. MCYS, in conjunction with other agencies, has started a WorkSupport programme. This is a specific programme tailored for this group and will help those who are currently not working because they have to take care of their dependants. What it involves is that it will offer enhanced social assistance as well as help for such persons to find a job. This programme also provides assistance for skills upgrading so that they can better secure a job for their careers.