CDCs looking into strengthening social safety net

Wednesday November 12 2008

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Community Development Councils (CDCs) are looking into ways to strengthen the country's social safety net, with measures to help residents cope in the event of a prolonged recession.

The Northwest CDC has seen a 10 per cent increase in the number of job seekers knocking on its doors for assistance.

Northwest CDC mayor, Dr Teo Ho Pin, said an immediate priority for the councils is to ensure that those who have lost their jobs, especially the sole breadwinners, could get another job as quickly as possible.

For this, the CDC will also help in funding their training programmes to increase the workers' employability. Help for their family members is also on the cards.

Dr Teo said: "We want to make sure that during the downturn, the family is not adversely affected. We have prepared ourselves to provide more food rations, assistance for the children and if necessary, even medical assistance for the elderly."

Meanwhile, the councils have been holding job fairs, focusing on growth sectors such as the cleaning and conservancy sector where 300 jobs are on offer.

Dr Teo added: "With the IRs (integrated resorts) and a lot of condominiums coming up, they need high quality, highly trained cleaners and machine operators to keep the environment clean.

"I think the town councils can provide that platform to let the residents learn basic skills."

The CDC also has a trial, train and transit programme where job seekers undergo a trial to experience the new work environment before deciding whether to take up the job.