Singapore is going all-in when it comes to combating the Covid-19 pandemic in Singapore.
And the latest salvo fired by the authorities resulted in a lot of collateral damage.
I mean, just look at Orchard Road now.
With a poor economic outlook, less revenue and companies desperately going into cost-cutting mode, it’s inevitable that people will lose their jobs.
“Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he’ll eat forever”
While this is something that everybody has heard of, the government seems to believe in this even more.
Instead of handing out red packets to Singaporeans like the US.
Okay, they did, but it’s not a lot.
They decide on a more sustainable way to help: give people money while filling up jobs that desperately need manpower.
Two stones, one bird.
Temp Jobs With Pay Up to $5K A Month Available for People Who Lost Their Jobs Due to COVID-19
According to TodayOnline, Singaporeans who are unemployed can now look for temporary gigs on the Workforce Singapore’s (WSG) SGUnited Jobs Virtual Career Fairs.
There are 3,000 positions available with roles like customer service assistant, relief teacher or even an ambulance driver.
And there’ll be more upcoming as the Government has promised 10,000 of these gigs during the announcement of the Resilience Package.
Up To $5,000 Per Month
The gigs are pretty generous too with monthly salaries ranging between $1,700 and $5,000.
According to Manpower Minister Josephine Teo, 70% of the jobs will be for PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians) while the remaining 30% are for rank-and-file employees.
And unlike usual recruitment sessions, these gigs are designed to be immediate where you can start working (and earning) soon.
Now, I’m sure you’re salivating at this but please, don’t quit your full-time job for this.
They Are Temporary
Now, if you’re hoping to get a temporary gig and hope it’ll become a permanent job, don’t hold your breath.
Around 80% of the jobs are designed to last less than a year, which makes sense because companies who are looking to hire for permanent positions tend to be more stringent and careful in their assessment.
Which takes 5 rounds of interviews and a comprehensive background (read: Facebook / Linkedin) check.
“If I’m bringing on board a person for a permanent position, then maybe because they don’t check all the boxes, I would say for the time being: ‘Thank you very much, not for you’. But because I’m bringing them on for three months, six months, nine months, then okay, come on board first. Maybe it turns out to work quite well and we’ll offer you a more permanent position,” Josephine Teo Said
In short, it all depends on you yourself lah.
They’re also trying to ask companies to allow their employees to moonlight (let them take on a part-time job to supplement their income).
This, they say, will help people whose monthly pay depends on two components: a basic pay and commission.
With sales down, these people won’t be able to bring much home.
The authorities are now working with unions and companies to determine if they are able to be given a flexible work arrangement or shorter working hours.
Again, as we’ve said, there are 10,000 jobs promised and this is just the first batch. Hopefully, the 7,000 other jobs will come soon.
