PROPOSED guidelines on how employers should go about hiring those beyond 62 years are released for public consultation in the next few weeks, ahead of a new law that will come into effect in 2012.

Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong said the draft guidelines will be finalised early next year and will serve as a reference guide to help companies understand reemployment, offer practical solutions to help them put in place the necessary systems and processes, and ultimately set the norms for re-employment.

Mr Gan said the guidelines provide flexibility to both employers and workers in terms of job scope and terms of employment, and will help companies retain their experienced workers and allow them to continue working beyond the retirement age.

Explaining why the Government is pressing on with legislative changes to introduce re-employment of older workers by 2012, Mr Gan told a seminar on Monday morning: 'If we can help more older workers stay in the workforce, it will enable them to remain active, earn a regular income, contribute to society, and better prepare for a more comfortable retirement. This will also benefit the companies as they can continue to tap on the experience and expertise of older workers as a valuable resource.'

Mr Gan said by 2020, more than one in three Singapore residents will be 50 years older. At the same time, life expectancy continues to improve: Someone retiring at 62 today can expect to live for another 20 years or more.

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