Civil servants in Singapore are set to receive a 1.05-month year-end bonus, along with an extra one-time payment for junior-grade officers, as announced by the Public Service Division (PSD) on Monday (Nov 25).
In a move to provide additional support, civil servants in grades equivalent to MX15 and MX16, as well as those in the Operations Support Scheme (OSS), will benefit from an added one-time payment of S$600 (US$446).
According to PSD, the decision for this year-end remuneration takes into account Singapore’s expected GDP growth of around 3.5 per cent in 2024 and aligns with the guidelines set forth by the National Wages Council (NWC) for 2024/2025. It was also made in close consultation with public sector unions.
Continuing its commitment to employees, the government will maintain the payment of a non-pensionable annual allowance, also known as the 13th-month bonus. This bonus aims to uplift workers’ wages in line with the NWC’s recommendations, particularly for lower-wage workers.
The increased economic forecast set by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) for 2024, estimating growth at around 3.5 per cent, reflects the positive performance of the Singaporean economy in the first three quarters of the year. Additionally, the labour market has shown resilience, with continued employment growth and low rates of unemployment and retrenchment, despite global economic uncertainties.
Civil servants will see their total full-year annual variable component reach 1.5 months through cumulative mid-year and year-end payments. Notably, junior-grade officers can receive total lump-sum payments of up to S$850 in 2024, building on the 0.45-month mid-year bonus and one-time payment of up to S$250 they received in June.
Ms Cham Hui Fong, deputy secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress, praised the year-end payout, noting it as recognition of civil servants’ contributions amidst Singapore’s robust economic growth. She emphasized the importance of upskilling programs to enhance the skills and competitiveness of civil servants for future challenges.
Mr Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari, general secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE), expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to reward civil servants for their contributions to Singapore’s economic success. He highlighted the significance of supporting lower-income workers through the additional one-time lump sum payment, which will help them cope with the rising cost of living.
In conclusion, the year-end bonus for civil servants reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of its employees, particularly during a time of economic growth and uncertainty.
