REACH (Telegram) 18 - What are your views on the Job Seeker Support Scheme? What more can be done to support unemployed Singapore residents as they seek re-employment?

(SK)

28 Aug 2024 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 10:01 AM]

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REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 10:05 AM]

📢 Topic 📢

On Wednesday, 27 August 2024, Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng unveiled the Job Seeker Support scheme’s eligibility criteria during a visit to the Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability.

Under this scheme, which was first announced during Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s National Day Rally, eligible Singapore residents will receive up to $6,000 over six months, starting with $1,500 in the first month, and subsequently tapering down, if they meet the requirements. It will be rolled out in April 2025 and is set to benefit about 60,000 jobless Singapore residents. 

💬 What are your views on the Job Seeker Support Scheme? What more can be done to support unemployed Singapore residents as they seek re-employment?

More details on the Job Seeker Support Scheme:

📌 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support, job seekers must have earned $5,000 or less a month on average for the duration of their previous employment within the last 12 months. They must also have worked for at least six out of the 12 months preceding their application for the scheme, must demonstrate that they are actively seeking a job, and cannot be living in a property with an annual value of more than $25,000. 

The scheme will be open to Singaporeans aged 21 and above at launch, before being extended to permanent residents aged 21 and above from the first quarter of 2026

📌 Benefits of the Scheme

Job seekers will receive up to $6,000 over six months, starting with $1,500 in the first month, and subsequently tapering down, if they meet the requirements. However, the monthly payouts are capped at an individual’s previous-drawn monthly salary, and they stop once the job seeker finds work. 

Those who have received payouts will not be able to make another application within three years of their last scheme payout, but there is otherwise no limit on how many times they can be covered by this scheme.

📌 Complementing other social support schemes

The Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Singapore said in a joint statement issued on Aug 27 that the payout quantum is not sized to meet the needs of households facing financial distress as a result of a household member becoming involuntarily unemployed. Job seekers can still benefit from social support schemes such as ComCare Short-To-Medium-Term Assistance.

Those who undertake reskilling or upskilling can still receive additional training allowances that they qualify for separately, such as the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance

👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/jobs/new-skillsfuture-jobseeker-support-scheme-to-start-from-april-2025

-----

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 11:04 AM]

[ Poll : 1. Are you satisfied with the Job Seeker Support Scheme? ]

- I am satisfied. The scheme sufficiently supports job seekers as they seek re-employment.

- I am somewhat satisfied. More can be done (please share your views below).

- I am dissatisfied. I feel a lot more can be done (please share your views below).

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 11:04 AM]

[ Poll : 2. How else can job seekers be supported? ]

- Improved career coaching/ job matching services

- Greater support for upskilling/ reskilling

- Increased financial support

- Others (please share your views below)

Adam, [28/8/2024 11:09 AM]

Funny how the problem is framed as the onus is on the jobseekers. Imagine if the rulers understand there are bigger undelying issues making it harder for singaporean employment

Hanny, [28/8/2024 11:12 AM]

This scheme is one of the things that are available for job seekers. 

We need to ensure that the people who really need assistance know their options.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 11:16 AM]

Improve the knowledge of the coaches. Increase the number of coaches.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 11:18 AM]

Increase the visibility of the coaches

G, [28/8/2024 11:48 AM]

How come PRs are included to benefit from this?

Doesn't it cheapen citizenship?

Even if want to include PR, the benefits should be tiered to reflect the value of citizenship

It is also mischievous for this govt to keep using the "Singapore residents" term

G, [28/8/2024 11:56 AM]

There needs to be a stop to lump PRs and Singaporeans together for statistics and benefits

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 12:04 PM]

1. This retrenchment temporary grants is indeed a modest step to provide temporary relief for retrenched as the amount ranging from $1,500, $1,000 step down to $750 for 6 months with a total of $6,000 is not alot.

It dosen't look like a welfare scheme.

2. It can only buy food and probably transport for the retrenched workers to tie through the 6 months to look for replacement jobs or get trained and placement.

3. Notice that the criteria to meet this temporary payout is meant for lower and middle lower income as the salary must be less than $5,000 a month.

4. However, most mid career workers will likely to exceed $5,000 a month.

And these mid career groups are most likely belong to the sandwich class:-

a. Young children still in schools.

b. Elderly parents to take care.

c. Mid career workers are harder to secure a replacement jobs due to their age and higher income.

The only consolation is that they will still receive training allowance if they go for reskilling or upskilling to at least able to put food on the tables.

Adam, [28/8/2024 12:08 PM]

https://youtu.be/RKwY89p5WgA

Can we report CNA for pofma? Headline says 40% of singaporeans but in survey is from singaporeans and pr. Why do they keep doing this?

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 12:20 PM]

Thought the scheme will be more inclusive if it also includes:-

Retrenched workers even if salary > $5,000 - as long as they are retrenched.

Because they are no less financially distress after retrenchment - as their financial commitment could be higher as they still need to finance their housing loans, pay daily expenses, children expenses and parents allowance.

At least the temporary grants of $6,000 can relieve their worry of putting food on the tables for 6 months.

xXx.SCAR.xXx, [28/8/2024 12:21 PM]

Good point about the mid-career group of people. At 40 to 55 years old, life is really stressful 😔

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 12:25 PM]

60,000 retrenched workers X $6,000 for 6 months is about $360 million set aside for the temporary retrenchment grants.

Assume those mid career retrenched workers are another 60,000, then a total of $720 million is needed.

Fiscal affordability wise, not sure is it too much for our government budget to take?

But at least, retrenched workers will feel a temporary relief - at least food is not a problem for their families members for 6 months.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 12:28 PM]

Because cannot assume > $5,000 salary a month are rich people.

Their financial burden could be higher.

Providing the means to put food on the table temporarily for 6 months, a physiological need - will be a compassionate inclusive move.

G, [28/8/2024 12:39 PM]

😂 but in your calculations, $5,000 per month single income household can afford 5 room bto flat with zero cash payments!

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 12:42 PM]

Note:-

Assume housing loan a month $2,000 is finance from CPF OA account.

If mid career workers 40 - 55 years old are retrenched - their 20 to 25 years housing loans still need to be serviced.

So upon retrenchment, a mid career worker salary $5,001 will need to set aside $2,000 cash to pay the housing loan instead of deduction from CPF OA.

That means, the retrenched workers will only left with $3,001.

If $1,000 is given as allowance to the parents.

$1,000 to pay the children school expenses.

$1,000 to pay for electricity, water, utilities, handphone bills, conservancy charges etc.

This retrenched worker only left with $1 for food.

And this is the 1st month that the retrenched workers can finance.

If this retrenched workers cannot find jobs in the subsequent month, the whole families will go hungry, cannot finance the housing loan, cannot pay for their daily living expenses.

So at least if got $6,000 retrenchment temporary grants for 6 months, they still can buy food and won't go hungry.

Hence, being inclusive for retrenched workers even if salary > $5,000 - I feel is a necessity, an inclusive compassionate move - until the retrenched workers find a replacement job.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 12:50 PM]

Hence I was quite surprised that the retrenchment temporary grants have a maximum salary cap as the qualifying criteria.

Because regardless of salary, retrenchment is a trauma to the whole family, psychologically and physically.

Next month without jobs, regardless of whatever income the workers received previously, the income is "0" subsequently.

But bills and expenses keep piling up.

Providing temporary relief for food for the retrenched families in "shell shock" - at least is the minimum physiological need and compassionate move to help the family recover.

And a push factor to motivate retrenched workers regardless of past income to actively retrained or seek jobs.

G, [28/8/2024 12:55 PM]

😂 pre retrenchment doesn't 20% of that $5001 goes to CPF?

And $5001 earner will never contribute $2,000 to OA per month to pay off housing loan

Hanny, [28/8/2024 12:55 PM]

I look at this scheme as a surgical scheme to help certain group of people.

Let’s not forget the comprehensive solutions that are available to workers of all type. 

Are the career coaches familiar with all of them?

Hanny, [28/8/2024 12:56 PM]

Make the career coach easily accessible.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 12:57 PM]

I think if register with e2i, career coach is usually available.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 1:00 PM]

Career coaches should go to the heartland to promote their services.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 1:00 PM]

I don’t think many people is familiar with E2I

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 1:00 PM]

[ Poll : 1. Are you satisfied with the Job Seeker Support Scheme? ]

- I am satisfied. The scheme sufficiently supports job seekers as they seek re-employment.

- I am somewhat satisfied. More can be done (please share your views below).

- I am dissatisfied. I feel a lot more can be done (please share your views below).

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 1:00 PM]

[ Poll : 2. How else can job seekers be supported? ]

- Improved career coaching/ job matching services

- Greater support for upskilling/ reskilling

- Increased financial support

- Others (please share your views below)

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 1:01 PM]

Usually career coach in short supply.

They are HR professionals.

Even if register with e2i, I think needs to request for one

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 1:01 PM]

Hmm...

That's true.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 1:01 PM]

Hence the need to increase the number and improve the quality.

G, [28/8/2024 1:04 PM]

PRs should not be included with this certain group of people

Hanny, [28/8/2024 1:05 PM]

I don’t know how difficult it is to recruit hr professional. My feeling is, given the current market. It shouldn’t be difficult.

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:25 PM]

There scheme also excludes people based on annual value of property. So if you live in parent big house probably cannot get

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:27 PM]

I wonder how many underemployed or unemployed singaporeans there are

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:27 PM]

In total, How many % will benefit from this

Hanny, [28/8/2024 1:28 PM]

Gov knows the number. They mentioned how many people will benefit from this scheme.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 1:29 PM]

96,000 unemployed.

Only 60,000 benefits from this scheme.

36,000 are not covered.

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:30 PM]

Read carefully

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:30 PM]

Article says residents

Hanny, [28/8/2024 1:30 PM]

Gov should make it easy for people to understand what schemes are applicable to them. This can be easily calculated.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 1:32 PM]

As long as we don’t replace ourselves properly, I don’t think we rely purely on citizens to be productive. All unproductive residents are burdens to gov n society.

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:34 PM]

However some residents have contributed greatly in the past. Contributions that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Contributions so great they lag behind their peers in the same age

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 1:34 PM]

PR also pay taxes.

Many PRs have citizens as their families members.

Some citizens cannot work (eg. Studying, NS etc), whereas the PRs in the families work.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 1:37 PM]

Eventually these PRs will become new citizens.

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:37 PM]

Yea i agree some pr should be citizens and entitled to the benefits. But with benefits come sacrifices. They for one need to renounce thier foreign citizenship, and at the very least speak our tongue

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 1:40 PM]

PRs will normally renounce their homeland citizenships only after they get citizenship in Singapore.

They don't do it before they get Singapore citizenship.

I am not sure whether Singapore allows dual citizenship.

I thought PR cannot hold more than 1 citizenship once Singapore award them citizenship?

I need to confirm this from official sources. Now is only based on my assumption.

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:40 PM]

Tbh idk what is going on with citizenship application. From what i heard its ethnic quota

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 1:42 PM]

The position of the Singapore Government is that dual citizenship is not allowed. The laws regarding Singapore citizenship are found in the Constitution of Singapore. A dual citizen may have acquired citizenship by birth in a foreign country, by descent from a foreign citizen parent, or by naturalisation.9 Mar 2024.

Source:- Google

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:42 PM]

Singapore doesnt allow dual citizenship

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 1:45 PM]

And I heard from the PRs that to convert to Singapore citizenship is extremely difficult.

Some of my PR ex-colleagues told me that they have applied for very long (many years) - but the citizenship still not yet approved.

No one got an idea what criteria are needed to get the Singapore citizenship eventually.

And these PRs are highly qualified, many with specialist skillsets.

Some come from rich families.

G, [28/8/2024 1:46 PM]

This is a huge assumption. If being PR is already so attractive, then why need to be citizen?

G, [28/8/2024 1:47 PM]

Why is "PR also pay taxes" a strong enough argument? Like that I can also say non PR foreigners also pay taxes. How come they are excluded?

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:48 PM]

We need an express path to get citizenship. Maybe singapore can boost its citizens and military by doing something like the French Foreign Legion

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 1:48 PM]

What is the criteria of demonstrate actively seeking a job

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 1:48 PM]

Or how gov knows I am actively seeking a job

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:51 PM]

I assume you have to apply in myskillsfuture for whatever listings there are

Adam, [28/8/2024 1:51 PM]

I hope the gov audit the listings. If company reject applicant ask why

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 1:58 PM]

Like I apply job in fast job and yet keep kena rejected that is considered as actively finding a job. And gov will know right

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 1:59 PM]

Or I apply job in fastjob but reject the job offer does that consider actively finding job

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 2:02 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 2:03 PM]

Those receiving payouts will also need to demonstrate that they are actively seeking a job, such as through submitting job applications, attending career coaching, or participating in eligible training courses.

Asked to elaborate on how someone can show he is doing so, a WSG spokesman said: “I think these are details that we are still working on, but very broadly speaking, we do expect applicants to submit some form of documentation, and we will check this documentation.”

He added that more details will be shared closer to the launch date.

Source:- Straits Times

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 2:04 PM]

Still in the process of defining what constitutes - "actively seeking jobs".

I think not so clear cut as of now.

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 2:07 PM]

PRs is the stepping stone to become citizens.

But in Singapore, the process is very arduous and the criteria is not make known.

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 2:09 PM]

Does mlm consider a job in this scenario

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 2:09 PM]

Sorry what is mlm?

G, [28/8/2024 2:11 PM]

It is, but the fact is they are not citizens and so there needs to be a clear enough differentiation between citizens and PRs especially when benefits are pushed through

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 2:11 PM]

https://youtu.be/huIFTbp29No?si=QWHgbOvVt27HXJXo

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 2:14 PM]

Oh Multi level marketing.

I thought it is not legal in Singapore?

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 2:14 PM]

MLM activities in Singapore are governed by the Multi-level Marketing and Pyramid Selling (Prohibition) Act. In a word, MLM schemes are NOT LEGAL in Singapore, unless they are specifically excluded through meeting specific criteria.

Source:- Google

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 2:15 PM]

It's legal when selling products mah the video above should also explain that

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 2:16 PM]

When selling products you get a commission. Some famous examples Atomy, nefful etc

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 2:17 PM]

Too complicated for me to comprehend.

It somehow fall into the grey line.

Normally I will avoid stepping into such controversial situation to prevent unnecessary trouble.

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 2:19 PM]

It's a 3 min simple video can very easy to understand

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 2:20 PM]

Just asking in such situations is it consider a job

LCL (Danny 心), [28/8/2024 2:30 PM]

Which I guess could be very thorough background check, national service, feedback from bosses and their colleagues, referees, naturalisation and adaptation to local culture, contribution to the society and community, participation in resident activities, number of years staying and working in Singapore etc among others.

Dr. Goh, [28/8/2024 2:53 PM]

The rules would basically eliminate the majority of unemployed and underemployed. As usual, stingy to local born but very generous to foreigners and cronies.

Dr. Goh, [28/8/2024 2:54 PM]

Even people working at these job seeking agencies don't believe in the system.

Dr. Goh, [28/8/2024 2:55 PM]

I've worked in various organisations. Jobs are reserved for foreigners from the same village even in government linked agencies or companies with EDB funding. Just get PR or citizenship to get more perks. Don't even have to take the jobs seriously.

Dr. Goh, [28/8/2024 2:56 PM]

Most of the "talents" I saw were slacking, playing stock market, online shopping, avoiding the hard valuable work, some even fudging data and sabotaging equipment to make sure others fail.

Dr. Goh, [28/8/2024 2:57 PM]

Singapore is doomed with this.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 2:58 PM]

Singapore does not allow dual citizenship. Gov will ask potential citizens to renounce their citizenship before obtaining Singapore citizenship.

Adam, [28/8/2024 2:59 PM]

Cannot be before i think. Otherwise later got some limbo where person is stateless

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:00 PM]

Getting Singapore PR is not easy. 20k salary per month does not guarantee a PR. I work in a foreign bank and I can confirm this.

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:00 PM]

But i think it should be easier for people to get citizen, but if the incentive is so great, there is an expectation for them to pay into the system

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:01 PM]

Gov will only ask if a person assured citizenship.

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:01 PM]

Otherwise we are letting others raid our reserves

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 3:01 PM]

[ Poll : 1. Are you satisfied with the Job Seeker Support Scheme? ]

- I am satisfied. The scheme sufficiently supports job seekers as they seek re-employment.

- I am somewhat satisfied. More can be done (please share your views below).

- I am dissatisfied. I feel a lot more can be done (please share your views below).

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 3:01 PM]

[ Poll : 2. How else can job seekers be supported? ]

- Improved career coaching/ job matching services

- Greater support for upskilling/ reskilling

- Increased financial support

- Others (please share your views below)

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:02 PM]

Interview panel requires at least one Singaporean.

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:04 PM]

Nah i think they need an 3rd party to audit or something

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:05 PM]

I sit in an interview panel before. And the reason is because I’m Singaporean.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:06 PM]

This is for financial industry. I’m not sure about other industries.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:08 PM]

The key to improving employability is skill upgrade. This is something that gov can do.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:08 PM]

Company will employ based on skill.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:10 PM]

All works are disrupted by advances in technology. Everyone must upgrade.

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:11 PM]

Well we keep upgrading our skills  and improving. I am probably much more skilled than labourers of decades ago. Guess who can buy a house with their wage

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:13 PM]

Its not just difficulty in getting job, but a lot of dissatisfaction comes from even an average jobs being insufficent for our standards which we arent asking for much

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:14 PM]

So lets upskill. I can be ai assisted and make 10x more products than my coworker who didn't

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:14 PM]

Will i get 10x more pay?

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:15 PM]

Will my coworker be fired?

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:15 PM]

What if both me and my coworker upskill and the employer dont need more workers?

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:15 PM]

Even then, will i get paid more?

Adam, [28/8/2024 3:16 PM]

Accounting for inflation of course

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:17 PM]

I dont believe advances in tech will replace workers. We will become more productive and justify higher salary.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:17 PM]

The difference is the kind of works that are available.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:18 PM]

Just look at the crane operator that operates from a control room instead of high up on a tower.

G, [28/8/2024 3:18 PM]

People who upskill and enter the workforce with their newly acquired skills. How many of them are entering at entry level jobs and how many of them at more senior roles?

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 3:18 PM]

The problem is our upskill can last relevant in the market and how long

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:19 PM]

upskilling is the only constant

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:20 PM]

There is no such thing as stop upskilling

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:21 PM]

When I moved to a new industry and started a new skill, my salary dropped by 30%.

G, [28/8/2024 3:22 PM]

Yes we hear motherhood statements like this all the time. How does this translate to the person going through this?

We only ever hear feel good stories. For every feel good "success" story of upskills, how many non-feel good stories of upskilling are there?

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:22 PM]

Getting into a new area is never easy

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:22 PM]

I went through this before

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:23 PM]

Your salary will not be like your previous one. But it's not exactly new grad salary.

G, [28/8/2024 3:24 PM]

Not sure. Nowadays new grads earn quite a lot

G, [28/8/2024 3:25 PM]

https://blog.seedly.sg/graduate-starting-salary-nus-ntu-smu-sutd-sit/

And if the grad works for some govt bodies (MINDEF / MHA types), they typically earn more

Jun Ming, [28/8/2024 3:27 PM]

The thing is would you upskill vertically or horizontally?

Vertically like going into master and PhD. Sharpen your skills you already have 

Horizontal get into other fields as a newbie. Getting new skills.

Hanny, [28/8/2024 3:38 PM]

I was in a sunset industry when I moved to another industry.

Nicholas, [28/8/2024 3:44 PM]

The eligibility criteria seems quite restrictive, could this be due to a limited budget to cater for this? The lower income group seems to receive a continuous stream of government assistance, whereas middle and higher income groups are left out. Does this encourage the lower income group to remain where they are?

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 4:01 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 5:01 PM]

[ Poll : 1. Are you satisfied with the Job Seeker Support Scheme? ]

- I am satisfied. The scheme sufficiently supports job seekers as they seek re-employment.

- I am somewhat satisfied. More can be done (please share your views below).

- I am dissatisfied. I feel a lot more can be done (please share your views below).

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 5:01 PM]

[ Poll : 2. How else can job seekers be supported? ]

- Improved career coaching/ job matching services

- Greater support for upskilling/ reskilling

- Increased financial support

- Others (please share your views below)

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 6:01 PM]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 6:45 PM]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

John Yong, [28/8/2024 6:59 PM]

Just to add that with the criterion for less than $5k, most PMEs are left out.

REACH Singapore, [28/8/2024 6:59 PM]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

*Closing the loop of the previous topic - Redundancy Temporary Grant for $5,000 and below*

1. By taking this policy in isolation, notably 2 big groups fall off the crack :-

a. Mid career workers >$5,000

b. PME >$5,000

2. If these groups lose their jobs, they and their family members will equally in distress as the month after next, their income will be $0 - and yet their bills and expenses and housing loans will keep piling up.

3. Taking the policy in isolation, these 2 groups will be suffering - as they won't benefit a single cent from the policy to put food on the table for 6 months.

4. However, by looking at the breadth and depth of all the MOM policies in totality - these 2 groups could be covered in another policy, specifically the "SkillsFuture Level Up programme".

5. The SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme is available to all Singaporeans aged 40 and above, with *no income criteria to qualify* ¹. The programme offers a $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) top-up, which can be used to defray out-of-pocket fees for selected courses that have better employability outcomes ². Additionally, mid-career Singaporeans can qualify for mid-career enhanced subsidies when taking another publicly-funded full-time diploma from AY2025, even if they had previously received MOE subsidy or government sponsorship for a diploma or higher qualification ².

6. However, the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance, which is part of the programme, is based on 50% of one’s average income over the latest available 12-month period, capped at $3,000 a month, for up to 24 months over an individual’s lifetime ³.

7. Hence for worker's with $5,001 salary, the worker will receive *$2,500.50 cents* every month up to 2 years to put food on the table.

(This will be a more superior programme compare to the Retrenchment Temporary Grant of $6,000 - to be dispense from $1,500, $1,250, $1,000, $750 .... for 6 months).

8.The catch is, this programme caters to mid-career Singaporeans aged 40 years and above.

9. This means 30 years old to 39 years old with salary >$5,000 will not be entitled to the Skillsfuture Level Up Programme.

This is the PME group that fall off the cracks from both "Retrenchment Temporary Grant* and "SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme*.