We refer to the article “Redundancy, unemployment remain low in 2013: MOM” (Channel NewsAsia, Apr 25).

66% found jobs within 12 months?

It states that “66% of residents made redundant in the first three quarters of 2013 re-entered employment by December 2013, within 12 months of redundancy.

Statistic got worse because PMETs were taking their own sweet time?

This was slightly lower than the rate in 2012, due to PMETs spending more time seeking jobs.

Patrick Tay, assistant secretary-general of NTUC, said: “I think mainly because they will take time to pick up new skills or look for a job that matches their skills, qualifications, salary expectations.”

Not saying the obvious?

– Reading the above may make you laugh – because isn’t it rather obvious that PMETs may be finding it harder to get a job – rather than the reasons given?

Also, does it mean that 34% of those laid off – could not find a job after 12 months?

If this is arguably not a poor statistic – what is?

PMETs had highest redundancy rate?

The problems of PMETs may also be compounded by their highest redundancy rate – “In a press release outlining the findings of the report, it was also noted that professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) were more vulnerable to redundancy, with 7.3 made redundant for every 1,000 PMETs, compared to production and related workers (5.7 per 1,000) and clerical, sales and service workers (2.8 per 1,000).”

SY Lee and Leong Sze Hian