Singapore - Even as more older workers join the workforce today, many still find themselves in low-level positions.

According to the latest Ministry of Manpower (MOM) figures, 47.8% of the older population aged 50 and over were employed as of June 2007, with land transport & supporting services, administrative & support services (incl. cleaning and security services) and the F&B industry holding the bulk of mature workers.

As a reflection of their weaker educational profile, only one in three workers fall into the professional, managerial, executive & technical category. The mature workforce is mainly comprised of clerical, sales and service workers (25%), production and related workers (24%) and cleaners, labourers and related workers (18%).

The need to pay off current living expenses is the main reason two-thirds of the mature workforce continue working, with an additional 12% saying they work to secure future financial security. Only 6.1% say they work to maintain a social and active life while 3.9% say they work to feel a sense of purpose.

However, many mature women are being left out of the workforce due to the their limited or complete lack of labour market experience. Hence, the drive to encourage older women back to work must be complemented by suitable skills upgrading and work preparation programmes. "Together with availability of part-time and flexi-work arrangements, this will help encourage economically inactive residents to join the workforce," the report adds.