SINGAPORE – A new law to legislate the re-employment of older workers up to the age of 67 will be introduced by 2017. Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin revealed this in an interview with the media to wrap up the work of his ministry for the year.

He said the transition time is to allow for markets and businesses to adjust. Mr Tan said the transition this time round is considerably shorter than the 5 to 6 years taken when the law was first introduced to re-employ workers beyond the age of 62, to 65.

Talks are under way with the union and employers to get them ready. There will be incentives to support companies that voluntarily re-employ their older workers up to the age of 67. Mr Tan did not want to disclose details of the incentives.

Current incentives include WorkPro funding to help employers recruit, train and retain mature workers and back-to-work locals.

The employment rate for older workers has steadily increased over the years, from 57 per cent in 2009 to 65 per cent in 2013. Last year, 99 per cent of private-sector local employees who turned 62 were offered re-employment. CHANNEL NEWSASIA