The holidays are nearing and we’re all looking forward to winding down our work year. Some of us may have been blessed to have gotten through the year with little difference of impact felt from Covid-19. However, some of us may not have been as fortunate… there have been many whose jobs have been affected by the pandemic. Thankfully, the Government is not only aware of this situation, but also understanding towards it. It has announced that financial help for workers and self-employed people who have lost their jobs or faced severe pay cuts during Covid will be extended till 31 Dec 2022.
Financial help extended to 2022, increased disbursements to three times
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has announced that the Covid-19 Recovery Grant was extended by 12 months in consideration that the financial and employment situation for some Singaporeans continue to be affected by the pandemic.
Previously, there was a cap of two disbursements of the grant for eligible applicants. That has been increased to a cap of 3. MSF said eligible individuals who received the grant previously but remain significantly affected may apply for a third tranche of the grant.
As at 5 Dec 2021, the Government had provided support to some 27,000 individuals through the grant, and disbursed about $57 million in total.
Helping those affected find new jobs again
Apart from only giving out financial assistance, the Government is also concerned about helping those affected find new jobs again. After all, these financial payouts can only help individuals and families so far and the problem can be solved only when the worker finds a job again.
Hence, those who receive a third tranche of the grant will also get further assistance with their job search from NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Workforce Singapore (WSG). This is good news as the e2i and WSG has trained career coaches who are able to give career counselling to jobseekers. Apart from giving advice to improve resumes, they also run potential candidates through their interviews and help them be more confident during the hiring process. Lastly, they will recommend and match job seekers with potential jobs and hiring managers.
Most of us would be able to relate to the sian feeling of prolonged job searching and not being able to find something suitable… it slowly chips at our confidence and makes us think we’re not good enough to land something “good enough”.
The career coaches seek to exactly counter such situations and feelings. It would mean a lot to someone who’s already feeling down to have someone support and walk them through this journey. In addition, for those who have been in a certain industry for a long time, having to look for a job again may seem extra daunting.
Keep calm and keep going on
We’d like to encourage everyone to keep calm and keep moving on! The pandemic has not been easy on any of us. But we hope that Singaporeans will continue to stay united, help one another and walk through this challenge together!
Have a blessed Christmas ahead, our lovelies! <3
Help is available for food delivery riders with concerns about their livelihood