AS SOMEONE who was between jobs for a period and who is over 45, I empathise with the plight of unemployed older Singaporeans, especially those above 50.

Many jobless people have gone for training, attended career talks and fairs and tried to upgrade themselves.

They have also sought help at community development councils and adjusted their expectations, but those who still cannot secure a job despite all these are at their wits' end.

Many organisations here, especially their human-resource staff, do not appreciate working experience. Some are also biased against mature workers.

I often read that Singaporeans are picky about jobs.

I am sure there are those looking for a better deal when looking for a job, but it is now an employers' market and bosses might be taking advantage of the situation and offering jobseekers poor terms.

Not all employers are able to engage andmanage mature wokers with qualifications and work experience.

There is a group of mature professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) willing to lower their job expectations, but sometimes they are not chosen for reasons beyond their control.

The Government has made various efforts to address unemployment in Singapore.

Measures include the Jobs Credit scheme and the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience.

I applaud and appreciate these steps.

However, this slowdown is like no other.

While the Government's efforts have mitigated the effects of the downturn, issues still remain for mature PMETs.

To be fair, there are employers like McDonald's and Robinsons, which pride themselves on their older staff.

Mature workers are not always viewed positively but, as employers have testified, they are less likely to job hop, and are diligent and loyal to their employers.

The Government should take the lead by educating the workforce, encouraging business groups and leading by example when it comes to hiring older workers.

The media could also help by portraying positive images ofmature workers and illustrating the benefits of employing such workers, whose experience can be valuable and who have played a vital role in Singapore's success story.

Mr James Ang

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