Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Press letter to Voices@ Today Newspaper: Offer jobs to more retirees to match raised re-employment age


My letter to MediaCorp’s TODAY newspaper on the above matter is published today, Tuesday 1st September 2015.

I am sure that many older workers welcome the news on the re-employment age (“Re-employment age to be raised to 67 years by 2017”; Aug 24).

Gainful employment gives older workers the opportunity to get key social support. And with their wealth of experience, they can be mentors to younger workers.

At a recent get-together organised by MediaCorp, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Communications and Information Lawrence Wong paid a fitting tribute to former employees who have contributed to the success of our local television and radio stations.

His tribute was echoed by MediaCorp chief executive Shaun Seow, who mentioned that younger workers can benefit from the broadcast pioneers’ dedication and knowledge. The national broadcaster walks the talk by hiring suitable older staff on a part-time or project basis.

Likewise, public sector officers who have retired could be offered job opportunities, be it on a full-time or part-time basis, in all government departments.

Job opportunities should be created for our retirees, which would enable them to keep their minds engaged and, at the same time, allow them to pay for their MediShield Life premiums, thereby giving them peace of mind on rising health-care costs.

If the civil service leads by example, the private sector would be enticed to do likewise

 
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

 

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