By now, you should know that Singapore is continuing its gradual reopening in Phase 3 (Heightened Alert). Restrictions will be eased from Monday (Jun 21), albeit not to the extent we were hoping for.
In particular, the resumption of dining-in in groups of two people may spark loads of joy in some.
Couples can finally rejoice. As for groups of three, hmm.
For civil servants though, they may be contented for something else. The mid-year bonus that they’re about to receive.
Good for you!
S’pore civil servants to receive mid-year bonus of 0.3 months
Yesterday (Jun 18), the Public Service Division (PSD) announced that all civil servants will be receiving a mid-year Annual Variable Component (AVC) of 0.3 months.
One-time payment for those in junior grades
Against the “significant downside risks” during the COVID-19 pandemic, civil servants in junior grades will also receive an additional one-time payment.
Civil servants in categories equivalent to MX13(I) and MX14 will get S$350.
Those in categories equivalent to MX15 and MX16, as the Operations Support Scheme grades III to V, will get a higher payment of S$700.
Lest you’re unaware, civil servants did not receive a mid-year bonus last year. Depending on seniority, some even took a one-time pay cut of half or one month.
Guess you can now treat this bonus as a “welcome reward”.
Singapore economy projected to recover this year, but “downside risks” prevail
While our COVID-19 situation is generally under control, we too are not denied from uncertainties.
With recurring waves of infection in different variants, strains of the virus are now more transmissible.
With the variants taking on different letters of the Greek alphabet, you’ve gotta admit it’s difficult to keep up.
Nonetheless, PSD stated that our economy and labour market have seen improvements in the first quarter of 2021.
In a reversal from the 2.4% contraction in the previous quarter, Singapore’s economy expanded by 1.3% on a year-on-year basis in the first quarter this year.
For 2021, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has forecasted a “4.0% to 6.0%” GDP growth. Different sectors of the economy are also expected to recover at an uneven pace.
Review for year-end payments
PSB noted that the Government will “continue to monitor the economic situation closely”. Regarding the year-end AVC payments, the Government will analyse the guidelines by the National Wages Council which will be released later in the year.
Featured Image: joyfull / Shutterstock.com
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