Back to work, gramps: Public sector re-employment age extended till 67

Over 800 officers are turning 65 next year.

The Singapore Public Service today revealed that arrangements to offer re-employment to all eligible officers till age 67 will be formalised starting January 1st 2015, which will immediately benefit some 800 public officers turning 65 years old next year.

This comes after the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers offered its recommendations on extending the re-employment age.

The Public Service is one of the largest employers in Singapore, with 139,000 officers. Public officers are currently re-employed up to age 65 when they reach the statutory retirement age of 62.

Before today’s announcement, public agencies are already voluntarily re-employing officers beyond age 65, if the officers wish to continue working and they can contribute to the work of the agencies. There are about 1,000 public officers re-employed beyond age 65 today.

The public service guidelines on re-employment take reference from the Tripartite Advisory on re-employment. The guidelines state that eligible officers who wish to continue working, can do so on the same job with the same pay and benefits, provided the job is available.

Otherwise, agencies will help the officers to find suitable jobs within or outside their agency. If no jobs are available, agencies will offer a payment to help them make the adjustment while they look for another job.