Between 2023 and 2025, the Singapore government allocated SGD600,000 (US$466,000) from its short-term relief fund to provide financial aid to 260 employees who were left without pay when their companies went into liquidation. The relief fund aims to support employers who genuinely cannot meet their salary obligations due to business failure, according to Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.
Companies that intentionally refrain from paying wages despite having the resources to do so will potentially face legal consequences for violating employment laws when their businesses are liquidated, Minister Tan pointed out. While his ministry does not actively monitor the total count of workers left unpaid as a result of corporate liquidations, he highlighted the government’s understanding of the crucial nature of employees’ salary claims during such circumstances.
Apart from offering aid via the short-term relief fund, the government also assists impacted workers in finding and securing new opportunities with promising long-term prospects through career-matching services and training programs.
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme provides eligible workers who lose their jobs involuntarily with up to SGD6,000 over a six-month period. For lower-income households that require assistance with basic expenses, they can seek financial support from their local social service office.
Minister Tan emphasized the government’s encouragement and support for Singaporeans to maintain their career health and remain relevant in their professional roles.
Minister Tan also shared insights about the labour market. The financial and insurance services, professional services, and information and communications sectors have been actively hiring and seeing wage growth for professionals, managers, executives and technicians.
As of September 2025, these sectors had 14,200 job openings, a rise from 12,600 in the previous year. The roles within these sectors are suitable for fresh graduates, according to Tan. He further noted that real median incomes in these sectors in 2025 grew at a rate that exceeded the overall median income increase of 4.3%.
What is the purpose of the Singapore government’s short-term relief fund?
The fund is designed to assist employers who genuinely cannot pay their employees’ salaries due to business failure.
What kind of support does the government provide for workers affected by corporate liquidations, apart from financial aid?
The government offers career-matching services and training programs to help these workers find and secure new jobs with promising long-term prospects.
What are the job prospects in Singapore’s labour market according to Manpower Minister Tan See Leng?
According to Minister Tan, the financial and insurance services, professional services, and information and communications sectors are actively hiring and seeing wage growth, making them promising sectors for job seekers.
