The Public Service Division said that the mid-year payment takes into consideration both the better economic outlook and downside risks that remain in the global economy. - ST FILE
SINGAPORE: All civil servants will receive a 0.45-month mid-year bonus, with junior staff getting a further payment of up to S$250.
This is higher than the 0.3-month mid-year bonus given to civil servants in 2023.
In a statement on June 20, the Public Service Division (PSD) said: “This mid-year payment takes into consideration both the better economic outlook and downside risks that remain in the global economy.”
In addition to the bonus, civil servants in grades equivalent to MX13(I) and MX14 will receive a one-time payment of $150.
Those in grades equivalent to MX15 and MX16, and those in the Operations Support Scheme Grades III to V, will get a higher one-time payment of $250.
The one-time payment for junior officers is slightly lower than in 2022 and 2023, when they received $200 to $400. In 2021, the amount was $350 to $700.
Singapore’s economy grew by 2.7 per cent year on year in the first quarter of 2024, extending the 2.2 per cent expansion in the previous quarter, noted PSD.
On a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted basis, the economy expanded by 0.1 percent, moderating from the 1.2 per cent growth in the preceding quarter.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry, added PSD, has maintained the gross domestic product growth forecast of 1 per cent to 3 per cent for 2024.
The assessment takes into consideration that the external economic environment has remained resilient in the first quarter of 2024 despite the downside risks remaining in the global economy.
Total employment, noted PSD, has continued to expand despite at a moderated pace.
Unemployment rates also remained low and within the range observed during non-recessionary periods.
In its statement, PSD added that the government will continue to monitor the economic situation closely.
“It will take into consideration the guidelines by the National Wages Council which will be released later in the year, in determining the year-end AVC (annual variable component) payments,” it read.
Cham Hui Fong, deputy secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said the union discussed the terms of the mid-year bonus and the additional one-off payments.
“Given this year’s positive economic growth, despite uncertainties ahead, the Government’s mid-year AVC payout of 0.45 months is reflective of the economic performance and acknowledges (civil servants’) efforts,” she said.
“NTUC encourages civil servants to continue upskilling and upgrading, to stay relevant, competitive, and employable in the face of future challenges.”
Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari, general secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees, said the union appreciates the increased mid-year bonus, and added that the additional one-off payments for junior staff and civil servants in the selected grades equivalent will give them a morale boost.
“While there are still uncertainties ahead, this payout fairly acknowledges the efforts of our officers and demonstrates progressiveness by ensuring lower-income officers can cope with inflation and rising living costs,” he said. - The Straits Times/ANN
