SINGAPORE - From Jan 1 next year, eligible public servants can be re-employed after they turn 65, up to the age of 67.
This move will benefit some 800 public officers turning 65 years old next year.
The decision to extend the re-employment age by two years is taken in consultation with the ministries, statutory boards and public sector unions, said the Public Service Division (PSD) in a statement today.
Public officers are currently re-employed up to age 65 when they reach the statutory retirement age of 62.
Public agencies are already voluntarily re-employing officers beyond the age of 65, if the officers wish to continue working. According to PSD, there are about 1,000 public officers re-employed beyond age 65 today.
This announcement comes after reports that from January next year, the Government will offer incentives to firms that voluntarily re-employ workers past the age of 65.
Eligible public 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.
These PSD guidelines for re-employment are based on recommendations made by the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers on extending the re-employment age.
The statement quoted PSD's deputy secretary of policy James Wong, who said: "Re-employment allows the public service to continue tapping on our seniors' wealth of knowledge and experience.
"It also allows our older colleagues to remain meaningfully engaged. I am glad to work alongside several of our re-employed colleagues who, in addition to contributing to our work, also help to mentor and coach our younger officers."