Workers who are involuntarily unemployed can now receive up to $6,000 in financial support over six months, thanks to a new national scheme that officially launched on April 15, 2025.
Known as the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme, this first-of-its-kind initiative in Singapore rolled out under the leadership of National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, as part of broader efforts to support workers in transition.
First step, big relief
This milestone marks a significant shift in Singapore’s approach to job loss — giving affected workers temporary financial breathing space while they actively search for new jobs or pick up new skills.
“Since 2014, NTUC has been a strong advocate for workers facing involuntary unemployment,” Ng Chee Meng said.
“We are glad that the Government has heard our feedback, and that our longstanding advocacy has resulted in the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme. This is a significant first step in providing temporary financial relief for workers, including PMEs who are involuntarily unemployed. We hope this will provide workers with relief, especially in times of increasing uncertainty.”
NTUC’s job-matching agency, e2i, will also support affected jobseekers through coaching, workshops, and skills upgrading guidance.
How the support works
To qualify for up to $6,000 in financial assistance, eligible jobseekers must:
- Have been involuntarily unemployed (e.g. retrenched)
- Meet income and work history criteria
- Actively participate in reemployment or training activities
This payout is designed to help tide workers over during their transition period, so they can focus on re-skilling and finding meaningful employment, instead of worrying about bills.
Almost a decade in the making
The concept of short-term financial support for jobseekers was first raised in Parliament in 2014 by NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay.
Over the years, he and other labour leaders pushed for such a scheme, especially to help Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) who may not always qualify for existing safety nets.
Momentum was built through initiatives like the NTUC-SNEF PME Taskforce in 2021 and the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations in 2023, where over 40,000 workers gave feedback on issues like income security, job loss, and reemployment struggles.
Ng Chee Meng, who took over as NTUC Secretary-General in 2018, oversaw the culmination of these efforts and worked closely with government partners to bring the scheme to life.
More support to come
In a press release, NTUC says this is just the beginning. It will continue working with government agencies and employers to enhance the JS scheme and adapt it to meet the evolving needs of Singaporean workers.
