My letter to The New Paper on the above matter is published today – Wednesday
4th December 2013, page 13.
Like many others, I was heartbroken
when I read “Sea of sorrow” (The New
Paper, Nov 27).
The mother of the 17-month-old has
been arrested and faces a murder charge. Her father said she lost her job recently. Now,
one life has been lost and another hangs in the balance.
Workers who have lost their jobs and those anxious over
being laid off need help to cope as financial woes can push them into a dark
corner.
Losing a job can push a person into denial, frustration and
hopelessness.
During such periods, anxiety will cause the stress levels
to shoot up, sometimes with tragic consequences.
There are agencies that can assist families trying to cope
with such stress, but the authorities should do more to increase public awareness
of the help that is available.
I would like to suggest the following measures to support laid-off
workers.
When workers lose their jobs, employers must be required to
notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The information can then be passed on to
the relevant family services centres and others to provide support measures.
The Member of Parliament concerned should also be kept
informed so that financial assistance can be stepped up and home visits carried
out.
This is important because some of the newly unemployed will
be so despondent that they may not want to seek help.
Brochures with information on helplines and family service
centres should also be more readily available for this group.
RAYMOND ANTHONY
FERNANDO
1 comment:
Raymond, what happened to your facebook? How come I couldnt' find you there anymore?
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