SINGAPORE - The government will study a proposal to raise the income threshold of a scheme that provides temporary financial and job search support to retrenched workers.

“We have recognised for some time that we must strengthen our support mechanisms as the pace of change accelerates,” said Minister of Manpower Tan See Leng in Parliament on May 6, as he affirmed labour chief Ng Chee Meng’s parliamentary motion calling for no “jobless growth” amid AI-driven disruption.

The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, launched in 2025, currently provides up to $6,000 over six months to retrenched residents that were earning $5,000 or less per month.

On May 5, Mr Ng called on Parliament to anchor AI-enabled growth in fairness and opportunity for all, and support for workers and businesses to seize new opportunities.

Mr Ng noted that many professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs) earning above this level may face the same risks of displacement and require structured transition support. He called for coverage levels of the Jobseeker Support scheme to be adjusted closer to PME median gross income levels.

Responding to the call, Dr Tan said: “We will look at how the scheme can be improved and we will study this carefully.”

The motion was debated for seven hours by 24 MPs, NMPs and political office-holders. It was unanimously supported by Parliament.

“The government cannot protect every job, but will certainly do our best to support and protect every worker,” said Dr Tan, who added that as work processes change due to AI, some jobs may inevitably get replaced.

“Going through transition can be challenge, but I assure all of our workers that you will not walk alone.”