More job options for ex-offenders, but acceptance by society remains an issue

They face problems in securing and retaining jobs, and have to overcome negative views

- Syarafana Shafeeq

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.