SINGAPORE: The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has announced its plans to extend the retirement age to 64 and the re-employment age to 69 from 1
SINGAPORE: The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has announced its plans to extend the retirement age to 64 and the re-employment age to 69 from 1 January 2025. This proactive move will take effect 1½ years before the Government’s national schedule, reaffirming NTUC’s commitment to promoting age-inclusive employment practices.
Currently, employees retire at 63 and may be re-employed until 68, following adjustments made in 2022. The Government’s 2019 roadmap targets raising the retirement age to 65 and the re-employment age to 70 by 2030.
In comparison, the public sector will adopt the same revised ages from 1 July 2025, trailing NTUC’s implementation by a year. This marks NTUC’s second initiative since 2019 to pre-emptively align its policies with the evolving workforce demographic.
Support for Older Workers
NTUC has consistently championed support for its older employees, ensuring they remain relevant through targeted training, job redesigns, and flexible work arrangements. Workers who choose re-employment will retain their salaries and benefits unless a mutual agreement is reached to adjust their roles.
Tailored development programs, health screenings, and retirement planning resources are part of NTUC’s broader strategy to address older workers’ needs. This focus underscores NTUC’s dedication to fostering meaningful employment opportunities across its ecosystem, which includes NTUC Club, FairPrice Group, NTUC First Campus, and others.
Currently, over 2,350 employees above 63 are employed across NTUC-affiliated businesses, with 448 set to benefit from the early retirement age increase and 270 from the extended re-employment age.
Leaders and Workers Speak
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng highlighted the importance of experience and resilience brought by older workers. “By raising the retirement and re-employment age ahead of the national schedule, we are fostering a more inclusive workforce,” he stated.
Longtime NTUC employee Ms. Sarminah Tamsir, 62, shared her enthusiasm for the changes. With 15 years at NTUC, she welcomed discussions about transitioning into a redesigned role that aligns with her skills and the organization’s goals. “This milestone marks the start of a new chapter in my journey with the labour movement,” she said.
A More Inclusive Future
NTUC’s continued advocacy for older workers includes equal access to training and job redesign, ensuring they remain competitive and valued. This initiative reinforces NTUC’s dedication to cultivating a workforce that celebrates the contributions of older employees, driving Singapore toward a more inclusive economy.
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