Plans for Improving Employment Outcomes for Lower-income and ComLink+ Families
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns strategies to improve employment outcomes for lower-income and ComLink+ families, as raised by Mr Xie Yao Quan and Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli B M M outlined current support through family coaches, the Employment and Employability Institute, and the ComLink+ Progress Package for Employment. He highlighted new partnerships with TOUCH Community Services to enhance job motivation, skill-building, and post-placement support to help families manage work stressors. The Ministry is also reviewing targeted financial incentives for lower-educated jobseekers to upgrade their skills and attain higher wages. Lastly, the Minister called for a whole-of-society effort, urging employers to provide flexible work arrangements to address diverse barriers to stable employment.
Transcript
23 Mr Xie Yao Quan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development following the findings of the Ministry's Supporting Lower-Income Households Trends Report 2025, whether the Ministry has further strategies to help more adults in ComLink+ families secure and stay in good jobs.
24 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in view of the findings from the Supporting Lower-Income Households Trends Report for 2025, what plans does the Ministry have to improve the employment outcomes for lower-income families, if any.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Lower-income families face diverse challenges to stable employment, such as caregiving responsibilities, family functioning issues and lower education qualifications. These make it hard for them to hold down a regular job or attain a higher wage.
Social Service Offices, ComLink+ family coaches and Family Service Centre case workers journey with families to address these issues. This includes linking families with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) for employment assistance and social service agencies for other needs. Families receive training support under SkillsFuture and Workfare. Those that put in the effort and earn a better wage are further recognised with additional cash and CPF payouts under the ComLink+ Progress Package for Employment.
Beyond these, the Ministry of Social and Family Development is reviewing how we can provide more targeted employment support services. For example, we are partnering e2i and TOUCH Community Services to help more ComLink+ families. To prepare them for employment, we work to increase their motivation and build their skills. Following successful job placement, we help them manage work stressors and stay employed. We are also exploring additional financial support and incentives for jobseekers with lower education qualifications to upgrade their skills.
Ultimately, a whole-of-society effort is needed to help lower-income families achieve better employment outcomes. Community partners can help families address their barriers to employment, and employers can be more understanding and provide flexible work arrangements.