SINGAPORE — Being retrenched still stings, but the stigma once associated with it is slowly dissipating, as layoffs become increasingly commonplace amid the worsening global economy due to the pandemic. The data released on July 29 showed that retrenchments more than doubled in the second quarter, with 6,700 workers laid off, up from 3,220 in the first quarter. Ms Low said: “While workers are upset that they are being retrenched, the stigma is less on the label of ‘kena retrenched’, but more of being a victim of circumstances beyond them. The older generation, those in their late 40s and 50s, might be more worried about the stigma of retrenchment,” said Mr Ang. “While perceptions may change and retrenchments during the Covid-19 pandemic are less of a stigma… to the retrenched worker, every rejection is a disappointment,” she said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 16, 2020 23:15 UTC