APPLICATIONS TO INCLUSIVE BUSINESS PROGRAMME IN SUPPORT OF EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

I recently met a blind person who found it difficult to start a massage business in HDB shop spaces near he was residing. Thankfully, I was able to help him apply for the Inclusive Business Programme which started in 2019. This Programme is administered by SG Enable and supported by HDB. Under the IBP, eligible businesses which employed persons with disabilities would be directly allocated HDB shop spaces. In addition, they can enjoy a 20% rent discount. I sought from the Minister for Social and Family Development an update about this Programme. In his reply, Minister Masagoes informed that since 2019, 2 businesses applied for the IBP. In my personal view, the take up rate can be better to offer more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Of course, this depends on the private sector. I am also glad to note the other support measures such as Enabling Employment Credit and Open Door Programme. My PQ and the Minister’s answer may be accessed below.

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Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many businesses successfully applied for the Inclusive Business Programme to support the employment of persons with disabilities at HDB shop spaces; and (b) what steps have been taken to promote the provision of more employment opportunities for such persons at the HDB estates where they live.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Housing & Development Board (HDB) and SG Enable launched the Inclusive Business Programme (IBP) in 2019 to support businesses who commit to having persons with disabilities make up at least 20% of their hired workforce, through the direct allocation of HDB shop spaces. In addition, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) businesses supported under the IBP enjoy a 20% rental discount, for their first three years of tenancy. Since 2019, two businesses have applied for the IBP and both businesses were successful in their applications.

The Government also supports the employment and creation of persons with disabilities through a suite of employment measures. This includes job placement and job support services and grants under the Open Door Programme, as well as wage support through the Enabling Employment Credit. The Ministry of Social and Family Development is also developing Enabling Business Hubs (EBH), to better enhance employment support and opportunities at the regional level, closer to where persons with disabilities and caregivers live. EBHs will offer employment training, employer engagement as well as on and offsite employment for persons with disability.