Singapore’s Job‑Booster Plan: Less Shield, More Sparks
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat just rolled out a new set‑up for keeping their workforce in the game while the global economy keeps giving the “tough crowd” look. He announced an updated Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) that will run till March 2021, which means more flexibility for companies to keep local talent on board—while still putting the onus where it belongs: a frowning‑eyed, time‑pressured sector.
What’s New?
- $8 billion more pumped into the economy, so we can save jobs and create fresh ones—think of it like a “budget haircut” that leaves the good part intact.
- JSS stays on—wages up to March 2021 will get half support for the hardest‑hit industries (aerospace, aviation, tourism).
- Built‑environment receives 50 % support for two months, then dips to 30 % of wages for the remaining period as construction resumes.
- All other sectors get 10 % wage support for the next seven months.
- “Good performers” like biomedical, finance and tech get 10 % support but only until December.
Supporting the Still‑”Hooked” ones
Beyond JSS, Covid‑19 Support Grant (CSG) has been extended to December, letting people who’ve lost their jobs or seen income slump get the booster.
To qualify, unemployed folks need to show concrete job‑search or training steps. The final application windows are now open again from Oct 1. Meanwhile, the Workfare Special Payment is giving an extra $3 k cash payout to more low‑income workers, broadening to the 2019 and 2020 workers who haven’t yet seen the benefit.
New Growth‑Incentive and Sector‑Specific Deals
- $1 billion Jobs Growth Incentive: The government will co‑pay up to 25 % of salaries for new local hires for a year—double that for people aged 40+.
- $187 m targeted to keep the aviation sector humming.
- On the “staycation” front, $320 m available as SingapoRediscovers vouchers for locals to splash on cultural adventures.
- There’s also an extra $150 m earmarked for nurturing first‑time entrepreneurs via Startup SG Founder—mentorship plus capital grants.
Why This Should Feel Good
These pushes are levied from “other pockets” that were put on hold because of COVID, meaning the government won’t touch its past reserves again. That’s a relief in a time when GDP was glued to a ‑8.6 % chase and job cuts were at record highs. The budget has already climbed near $100 billion in corporate‑tax breaks and stimulus across four budgets this year. So we’re borrowing from a “reallocatable reserve” to keep Singapore’s people working, not lagging.
Wrap‑Up
In short: Singapore’s toolkit now feels like a balanced deck—thin on protection, rich on growth and forward‑thinking. The JSS is giving the most trouble‑tolerant companies a boost, while it shrinks opening still‑gap‑bracketing hardworking, high‑support sectors. Put it together with new incentives, workforce‑training boosts, and more grants—one can say it’s practically a “job‑and‑journey” make‑over from the top level. And for those who have lost jobs or are beginning to find their footing, the updated support ensures that every single worker still goes back home with a full CPF” account trophy.
Mr Heng acknowledged that it will be a difficult journey ahead, but assured Singaporeans that they will not walk alone.
He said: “We are faced with an extraordinary crisis, but we are one people with extraordinary courage, commitment and can-do spirit.
“We have the fortitude – to improvise, adapt and overcome the uncertainties. We have the resilience – to weather the difficulties, turn challenges into opportunities and prepare for the future.
“And we will stand in solidarity as one united Singapore – to beat this crisis and emerge stronger as a nation.”
This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
COVID-19localjobsEconomyHeng Swee KeatKeep Up To Date
