SINGAPORE: On Monday, Nov 27, the Public Service Division, PSD announced a year-end bonus for civil servants amid the economic landscape. The government has revealed plans to grant civil servants a year-end Annual Variable Component (AVC) equivalent to 0.6 months. This announcement is coupled with an additional lump sum for specific grades, reinforcing a progressive approach to annual bonuses.
The decision, following extensive consultations with public sector unions, aims to strike a balance between acknowledging the contributions of civil servants and aligning with economic indicators. In addition, civil servants in grades equivalent to MX13(I) and MX14 will receive an extra lump sum of S$400, while those in grades equivalent to MX15 and MX16, alongside those under the Operations Support Scheme (OSS), will be entitled to a higher lump sum of S$800.
According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the year-end payment is grounded in considering Singapore’s economic landscape, with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecasted to reach approximately 1.0 per cent in 2023. This revision, narrowing the initial GDP growth forecast of “0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent,” takes into account factors such as the labour market outlook, subdued external demand, and persistent geopolitical tensions posing continued risks.
Aligning with the guidelines set by the National Wages Council (NWC), the Government’s decision underscores a progressive approach to year-end bonuses. As mentioned, civil servants in grades equivalent to MX13(I) and MX14 will benefit from an extra S$400, while those in grades equivalent to MX15 and MX16, along with OSS members, will enjoy a more substantial lump sum of S$800. Civil servants are set to receive a 0.9-month full-year AVC for 2023.
Officers up to MX13(I) and equivalent positions will see an additional lump sum of up to S$1,200 in 2023, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to recognising the efforts of civil servants. Additionally, the Non-Pensionable Annual Allowance, equivalent to a 13th-month payment of one month, will continue to be disbursed to all civil servants. /TISG