Disability/Employment

Overview & Synopsis

Singapore’s PWD employment rate is at among the lowest in developed societies.

Knowledge Gaps

There is currently no representative statistic for number of disabled people in Singapore → to watch 2020 population census (n = 150,000).

There is no knowledge of retention rates/duration of disabled people in their various jobs.

Key Statistics & Figures

Numbers of PWDs who can potentially enter workforce

Close to 176,000 disabled people are of working age.

Employment Rate of PWDs

According to The Straits Times, five in 100 disabled people are estimated to be employed.

The Government has noted that three in 10 PWDs aged 15 to 64 are in employment.

Breakdown of employment rates in the group:

• 27.6 per cent for those aged 15 to 39
• 37.8 per cent for those between 40 and 49
• 26.1 per cent for those between 50 and 64
• 5.9 per cent for those who are 65 and older.

The sectors employing most of these people are community, social and personal services, food services, administrative and support services, and manufacturing. Together, they account for more than half of workers with disabilities.

Persons with disabilities comprised about 0.55% of the resident labour force. Most go into hospitality, F&B, wholesale and retail/admin support, with a median monthly income of $1,000 - $2,800.

• SG Enable has placed more than 1,200 PWDs in jobs within the past three years, in the retail, F&B, IT and other sectors. 
• PWDs comprise 0.55% of the resident labour force. Median monthly gross wage ranged from $1,000 to $2,800. 
• According to MOM data, more than 25% of PWDs aged 15 to 64 are employed
  • The sectors employing most of these people are community, social and personal services, food services, administrative and support services, and manufacturing. Together, they account for more than half of workers with disabilities.
  • 27.6 per cent of PWDs are employed, for those aged 15 to 39
  • 37.8 per cent for those between 40 and 49
  • 26.1 per cent for those between 50 and 64
  • 5.9 per cent for those who are 65 and older.
• 8,600 estimated to be employed in the public and private sector in 2017.

Theory of Change

Key Thrusts

1. Engaging & Equipping Employers
2. Job Matching & Placement
3. Training & Work Readiness
4. Continuing Career Development
5. Employment Protection