Chan Chun Sing: Comparing hiring rates of PWDs in public and private sectors ‘not meaningful’

SINGAPORE: It is “not meaningful” to compare the hiring rates of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the public and private sectors due to the differing nature and context of jobs in the two sectors, said Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing on 13 November.

He stressed that the government is focused on improving the overall employment rate of PWDs across both sectors, ensuring they are placed and retained in roles that align with their strengths and capabilities.

Chan also highlighted that the public sector has many roles requiring specific levels of physical and mental fitness, such as in the uniformed services, which can contribute to the differences in hiring rates between sectors.

He clarified that there is no comparative data on the hiring rates of PWDs in the public sector across developed countries.

Chan’s remarks came in response to a Parliamentary question filed by Gerald Giam, Workers’ Party Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC.

Giam inquired about the specific factors contributing to the lower employment rate of PWDs in public agencies compared to the private sector.

He also sought information on how the hiring rate of PWDs in Singapore’s public service compares quantitatively with other developed nations and questioned what steps the government is taking to address these barriers and increase the hiring of PWDs in the public sector.

Gerald Giam asks if Govt should set stronger example for inclusive hiring and set targets for PWD employment in public sector

In his supplementary questions, Giam sought clarification on why Chan believed it was not meaningful to compare the hiring rates of PWDs in the public and private sectors, pointing out that the private sector had employed 75% more PWDs as a proportion of total employment as of December 2023.

He also asked whether the government, as the largest employer in Singapore, should take a greater responsibility in setting a positive example for inclusive hiring, and whether there were concrete targets for PWD employment in the public sector over the next five years, along with strategies to achieve them.

In response, Minister Chan reiterated that the nature of jobs in the public sector differs significantly from those in the private sector, and emphasised that the focus should not be on simply meeting employment numbers but on ensuring that PWDs are given meaningful jobs that align with their strengths and capabilities.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to finding suitable roles for PWDs in the public service, stressing that it is not just about numbers but about creating impactful and relevant employment opportunities.

He also maintained that comparing public sector hiring rates with the private sector is not meaningful due to the differences in job types and requirements.

Meanwhile, PAP MP for Jalan Besar GRC, Denise Phua, expressed her support for inclusive employment in the public sector, highlighting the efforts of various agencies.

She emphasised the importance of leadership engagement, middle management focus, job design, and support from colleagues in driving success.

Phua suggested that a dedicated task force be formed to further strengthen inclusive employment in the public sector, particularly focusing on critical success factors and positioning the sector as a leader in inclusive hiring.

In response, Chan agreed with Phua’s assessment and commended the passion of public servants working quietly to convert and modify jobs for persons with disabilities.

However, he emphasised that the public sector’s approach should focus on providing meaningful work rather than meeting artificial numerical targets.

Chan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are employed in roles where they can excel, and stressed the importance of everyone in the sector working together to make necessary accommodations and adjustments for all employees.