More employers are giving former offenders a chance in the workplace, but social stigma remains a hindrance for some in their reintegration journey.
The number of employers that have hired former offenders in partnership with Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) rose from 5,603 in 2019 to 6,516 in 2023.
Close to 700 employers also benefited from a government scheme that was rolled out in April 2023, to offer firms that hire former offenders wage offsets for their first nine months on the job.
Between April and December 2023, about $2 million was disbursed to these employers for hiring more than 1,500 former offenders as part of the Uplifting Employment Credit scheme, said the Ministry of Manpower in response to queries from The Sunday Times.
While there seem to be more opportunities now for former offenders to gain employment after their release, other issues such as social stigma and personal challenges can affect how long they stay on.
The career retention rate among former offenders who got a job with the help of YRSG has dropped over the years.
The percentage of former offenders who remained employed for three months dropped from 87 per cent in 2020 to 79 per cent in 2023. Those who remained employed for six months also dipped from 70 per cent in 2020 to 60 per cent in 2023.
YRSG told ST it does not have sufficient data to accurately identify the specific reasons behind the lower retention rates among employed former offenders.
CHALLENGES IN GAINING AND RETAINING EMPLOYMENT
YRSG career coach Ashish Ben said former offenders may need more time to relearn old skills, which have become rusty, or learn new skills when returning to work after a long time in prison.
Some employers may not have the capacity to give them time to gain proficiency due to operational and industry demands.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 08, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 08, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Buying a handbag or an experience? Brands are raising the retail bar
In an era of immersive shopping, it's not just about a product, but how you feel while buying it.
Dropped Smith still England 'game changer'
England coach Steve Borthwick insists Marcus Smith can remain a \"game changer\" despite dropping him to the bench for the Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham on March 9.
CREATIVE CROSSOVER
Prominent brands are appointing celebrities in creative positions, reshaping the intersection between sports, music and fashion
DBS chief's 2024 pay rises to $17.6m after bank's record performance
Full-year net profit rises 11% to $11.4 billion, with return on equity at 18% in 'stellar' year
Trump's Tariff Turbulence Is Worse Than Anyone Imagined
Even his concessions are less generous than expected.
India speeds up free trade talks with Western nations amid US tariff threats
Delhi seeks deals with Britain, EU as access to major markets is set to get complicated
SGX revamps leadership in FX, technology teams amid push to revive stock market
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has revamped its foreign exchange (FX) and technology management teams, following several high-level resignations.
'Frustrated' Bezecourt keen to stop Geylang's bleeding
From the trail of blood leading from the corridor to the living room, bedroom and bathroom, Geylang International midfielder Vincent Bezecourt's condominium looked more sinister than it really was.
'Big Moment' For Elliott
Sub nets Reds' late winner in Paris as Slot says they were lucky to even earn a draw
Passion Fuels James' Records
Oldest Player of the Month winner crosses 50,000-point mark as Lakers keep winning
