Resorts World Sentosa lays off staff

The company continues to look for job opportunities for every affected local worker.

Genting Singapore owned Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) will be laying off staff to cut costs as pandemic affects the city-state's tourism industry, according to a media release.

The company did not disclose how many jobs will be lost; however, RWS noted that it has managed to keep a vast majority of local staff.

Resorts World Sentosa said that it has already found at least two new job opportunities for every affected local worker, with the help of public agencies and the labour movement.

Meanwhile, customer service roles in the public sector, fast food industry, and retail industry were suggested for a crew lead with a secondary-school education, alongside the opportunity to retrain at the Institute of Technical Education as a healthcare aide.

RWS said it will invest in upskilling the remaining employees, with an eye on future growth. This includes technology-enabled job redesign, focusing on productivity and higher-value jobs.

The retrenchment comes after RWS slashed management pay cheques of up to 30%. Directors also had their fees or salaries reduced, whilst all employees were encouraged to take no-pay or annual leave.

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) said the retrenchment is RWS’ last resort on the back of the industry impact caused by the pandemic.

NTUC assistant director general and chief executive of its Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability, Gilbert Tan, adds that they are working closely with RWS to provide employment facilitation support measures, which include customised job matching efforts and dedicated employability workshops, for the affected workers.

RWS employs 12,500 in its facilities and operates casinos, hotels and Universal Studios on Sentosa Island.