Our work culture has long led us to believe that if we worked hard, we would be rewarded justly for it. This mindset makes the issue of in-work poverty all the more insidious as it becomes easy to detach the employed from poverty. With more than 300,000 Singaporeans and permanent residents earning less than $1,500 a month despite working full time, in-work poverty is an issue that we have to tackle together, as a community.
Understanding the intricacies of what the working poor face is vital in our effort against poverty in Singapore. Low-wage workers predominantly occupy jobs in lower-skilled sectors such as retail, food and beverage, cleaning and manufacturing. We cross paths with them on a daily basis – cleaners, cashiers, drivers and labourers. They face uncertainties in making ends meet for their families and themselves, and this is exacerbated by multiple challenges. Being resource and time-poor, they are in a constant race against time to fulfill life’s daily demands.
The rising gig economy has drawn an increasing number of young workers, who lack the education, bandwidth and opportunities to find stable work. While flexible, platform work provides insufficient security and protection. With few support schemes catered to the young working poor, they are left trapped in a cycle of unstable income and poor working conditions.
The Best of You, in partnership with AMKFSC Community Services, will be hosting Conversations Reimagined: Work Hard Also Not Enough in commemoration of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in October.
Join us and be part of the conversation on in-work poverty. Together, let’s reimagine a better Singapore and co-creating solutions towards poverty!
Event details:
Date: 29 October 2022 (Saturday)
Time: 1pm ~ 1.45pm SGT (Human Library*) / 2pm ~ 4.30pm SGT (Main Event)
Venue: Online
Admission is free
*Registration is required for Human Library sessions