Ex—offenders a source of valuable manpower amid labour crunch: Heng Chee How

SINGAPORE : Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Heng Chee How has said ex—offenders are a source of valuable manpower, especially in a tight labour market.

He said this at an appreciation award ceremony by the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) on Wednesday.

Mr Heng said the number of employers partnering SCORE to offer ex—offenders jobs has doubled over the last four years, from 1,500 to 3,100.

He said this showed that employers are becoming more aware of this source of manpower and are reacting to a tight manpower situation.

Fifty—six employers who have helped ex—offenders reintegrate back to society were recognised on Wednesday.

SCORE said there are currently 19 hotels working with SCORE to hire ex—offenders.

One such employer is Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), which has hired 29 ex—offenders since 2009.

RWS said it has a customised orientation programme to help ex—offenders adapt and ease their transition into the workplace.

Mr Heng said: "The hospitality industry is one industry that has already moved forward to take full advantage of this source of manpower, namely the former offenders who are rejoining society. So I think this opens up the idea to all other industries as well..."

In December, SCORE will be embarking on structured training to equip offenders with trade skills relevant in the manufacturing, logistics and hospitality sectors.

— CNA/ms