Feeling despair after retrenchment is normal – and it doesn’t signify failure. Beyond the initial shock after job loss lies an opportunity to rebuild, rediscover, and rise stronger.
And you don’t have to fight this battle alone. There are many resources available to help you get back on your feet. If you are feeling lost after retrenchment and need some direction, turn to these five helplines for support.
1. SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme – for financial support specifically catered to retrenched individuals
Made specifically for those who have been retrenched or involuntarily terminated, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme provides up to $6,000 in payouts over six months.
You’ll get monthly payouts as long as you complete career-related activities such as attending a career fair, going for upskilling programmes or speaking to a career coach. Each activity will earn you points that contribute to your monthly payout.
Think of it as a way to keep yourself motivated in your job search, even in such trying times. Find out if you are eligible for the JS scheme.
2. Visiting career centres – for career guidance and job matching
Navigate your next steps with the help of career advisors from Workforce Singapore’s (WSG) Careers Connect and its appointed career matching providers, AKG and Ingeus.
At WSG Careers Connect, you can register your interest to receive career guidance. A career ambassador will then reach out to understand your current employment situation and goals, before sharing basic career advice and resources to career-related workshops.
A career coach may then reach out for further customised guidance, where they’ll go through your skills and values to help you reach your career goals. Learn more about career centres and make appointments at the WSG website.
3. Mindline – mental health support for those facing retrenchment
Job loss is a stressful situation that can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Enter mindline.sg — a digital stress management platform designed to support individuals struggling with their mental health.
The platform provides a wealth of resources on mental wellbeing for your own reading. It also offers services such as a 24/7 mental health hotline for those who need a listening ear. There are forums where you can connect with other individuals who may be going through similar struggles. All information is kept confidential and anonymous, so you can trust the platform to be a safe space.
Start by taking a free mental health assessment test on mindline.sg, or reach out to mental health professionals on CHAT or Community Outreach Teams. Don’t forget to take charge of your mental health and visit the mindline.sg website for more resources.
4. ComCare Financial Assistance – for short- to medium-term support
If you are feeling financially strapped after being retrenched and need extra support, you can turn to ComCare’s Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA).
The programme aims to help individuals who are temporarily unable to work, are transitioning between jobs, and have low-to-no income.
With temporary support for living expenses, bills, and essential services, you can focus on your job search without the weight of financial stress.
Check if you are eligible for financial support through the ComCare SMTA website.
5. Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) – for retrenchment-related disputes
Retrenchments can happen for a variety of reasons, such as economic downturns and organisational restructuring. But if you believe you’ve been wrongfully retrenched, you can turn to TADM to mediate or resolve any disputes with your employer.
This includes breaches in employment contracts, missing payments or disputes over your dismissal. Leave it to TADM to lift that burden by assessing the situation before they help to arrange for mediation.
For more information on who can apply for claims or ask for mediation, visit the TADM website to get started.
Tough times do not last
If you face retrenchment, it isn’t the end of the world. What matters most is looking after yourself and figuring out your next steps.
With plenty of support available, it won’t be too long before you pick yourself back up and get back to the grind.
