NDR 2024: Retrenched workers may get up to S$6,000 under new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme

SINGAPORE — Workers who lose their jobs may get a maximum of S$6,000 over a period of up to six months as a form of temporary financial support, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at the National Day Rally on Sunday (Aug 18).
This will come under a new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, which he said will be introduced to “lessen the strain” on those who are affected by job loss.
This is for workers who become “involuntarily unemployed”, such as those who are retrenched or whose companies went bust, Mr Wong said.
The authorities had last looked into measures such as unemployment insurance, but the experience in other countries with such a scheme has “not always been positive”, Mr Wong added.
“After getting a generous benefit, the person may find it more attractive to stay unemployed than to go back to work. That’s why the Government has always been wary about such schemes.”
The authorities therefore studied other ways to provide unemployment support that would “minimise the negative outcomes” seen elsewhere, leading to the new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme.
The scheme will help those who lost their jobs bounce back, but jobseekers must do their part as well.
“What should you do? Go for training, career coaching and job matching services. These are essential investments that you need to make in yourself to find better jobs,” Mr Wong said.
“This is the essence of our renewed social compact. We will have your back; we will stand by you; but you, too, must take responsibility for your actions and make an effort to pull yourself up.”
The scheme will focus on helping lower- and middle-income workers, Mr Wong said, adding that Manpower Minister Tan See Leng will provide more details at a later date.
In his Budget 2024 speech, Mr Wong announced that Singaporeans aged 40 and above could get a monthly training allowance of up to S$3,000 if they enrol in selected full-time courses.
The allowance, disbursed under the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, will kick in from early 2025.
On Sunday, Mr Wong said that some training allowance will be extended to those who attend part-time courses.
He recognised that while these individuals continue to receive their salaries, there may be other expenses associated with training such as fees and books.
The Ministry of Education will share more details in due course.
As the country’s economic transformation continues, Mr Wong pledged that the Government will do more to enhance homegrown businesses and to “equip and support every Singaporean, including when they encounter setbacks”.
“A growing economy will create more opportunities and jobs for all. We will ensure that the benefits are shared widely, and that everyone gains from our nation’s progress,” he said.
“That’s what we will achieve together through Forward Singapore.”