I REFER to the letter, 'DBS could consider pay cuts to save jobs' (my paper, Nov 12) and the report, 'Layoffs a 'last resort'' (The Straits Times, Nov 13).

It is always painful when the economy is hit by a recession, and companies have to downsize and reduce costs by retrenching staff.

The least that companies can do to reduce the pain for staff who are being retrenched is to provide severance benefits and help them find suitable work elsewhere.

I appeal to employers in difficult straits to consider the many alternatives before opting for retrenchment, which should be a last resort.

The economic slowdown is still in its early stages.

However, I suggest that employers and senior management be more creative when it comes to cutting costs.

They could also invite unions and workers to contribute ideas on saving costs, with a view to ultimately saving jobs.

Besides, budget relief for business will be made known by early next year.

The Government's efforts to save jobs has to be matched by sincerity on the part of employers to preserve them.

Everybody, including bosses and workers at all levels, is in this together.

Using retrenchments as an easy way out does not bode well for the future, as more companies will likely be tempted to follow the same route.

Mr Sebastian Tan

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