Job ads in Singapore dipped 0.2% in 4Q13

Badly hit by the bonus season.

According to Robert Walters' Asia Job Index for Q4 2013, job advertising numbers in Singapore decreased by 0.2% in Q4 2013 against Q3. Compared to the same time in 2012, advertisements were up 21.5%, indicating a positive movement in job market activity.

The relative flat growth, with dips in some sectors, on the quarter can be attributed to a seasonal slowdown during the holiday period and in the run up to Chinese New Year. Furthermore, the quarter’s advertising figures were also impacted by the impending bonus season.

This was particularly true for financial services where accounting and finance roles advertised dropped 4.1%. In addition, advertisements for engineering roles fell 5.5% but the volume was high and demand for qualified engineers was extremely strong as the skills gap in the sector remained.

On the flip side, customer service and account servicing roles saw a significant 39.7% uptick, which was likely a positive response to seasonal requirements in consumer facing industries.

Toby Fowlston, managing director for Robert Walters Singapore, said “looking back at 2013, the second half of the year saw greater growth in job vacancies advertised, bringing us into 2014 on a positive note.

The low unemployment rate in Singapore of 1.8% means that it is likely to remain a competitive market for employers and there will be a drive to employ local professionals following government initiatives to support the hiring of local talent. When the festive season is over, later in Q1 2014, we will have a clearer insight into the market.”