Construction Support Package to help firms resume work quickly and safely
Singapore, 27 June 2020 – A new $1.36 billion Construction Support Package will be extended to firms in the construction sector to help them cope with the impact of COVID-19. As the vast majority of COVID-19 cases in Singapore has been migrant workers living in dormitories, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) worked with the Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL), the Specialists Trade Alliance of Singapore (STAS) and other trade associations to develop safe distancing measures specifically for the construction sector to minimise the risk of another outbreak among these workers. The government will provide additional funding to help construction companies offset the cost of these sectoral requirements.
On 26 May 2020, DPM Heng Swee Keat announced the Fortitude Budget, giving further Government support to help businesses stay afloat and preserve employment for locals as we emerged from the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker. In particular, the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) for local employees in the Built Environment sector (including consultants) was increased to 75% (from the earlier 25%), and Foreign Worker Levy waivers and rebates for the construction sector were extended to up to two months. All construction firms will receive a 100% Foreign Worker Levy waiver and $750 Foreign Worker Levy rebate in June 2020, as well as a 50% Foreign Worker Levy waiver and $375 Foreign Worker Levy rebate in July 2020.
At the same time, DPM Heng had announced that the Built Environment sector would receive further government support to co-share costs that will be incurred by firms in order to resume their existing projects safely. Broadly, the Government will (i) extend advance payment for public sector projects beyond May 2020, (ii) provide support for prolongation costs for public sector projects, and (iii) help companies offset additional compliance costs due to COVID-19, including swabbing tests for Construction workers.
