The government will be introducing a new 3-year Workfare Training Scheme (WTS) to complement the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS).

While it is aimed at helping older workers, it will also be open to workers 35 years and below.

The WTS will:

1. Provide employers with 90% to 95% of funding for absentee payroll and course fee outlays.

2. Cash grants will be provided to employees who complete training, which will be capped at $400 a month.

3. It will also include a structured training programme for those with very low skills, including those who may be out of a job.

The WIS will also be enhanced, with maximum payouts increased from $150 to $400, with more going to older workers to encourage them to remain in the workforce.

It will also be extended to workers earning up to $1,700 a month, to ensure that as low-wage workers upgrade skills and earn more, WIS benefits will not decrease too quickly.

Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam also announced the formation of a high-level National Productivity and Continuing Education Council, which will include members from the Government, business community and labour movement.