Nearly half of Singapore bosses intend to go on a hiring spree

Here are sectors most likely to hire.

According to the latest Hudson Report: Employment Trends, hiring intentions in Singapore have lifted this quarter with just under half of employers (48.7%) intending to increase headcount, up 5.5 percentage points, while intentions to decrease headcount are down 2.5pp to 2.7%.

“Hiring intentions are at their highest level since Quarter 4 2011, and there is a growing sense of economic confidence in Singapore, which is having a positive effect on hiring,” said Andrew Tomich, Executive General Manager, Hudson Singapore.

“In addition to increased intentions to hire, nearly half of employers (48.7%) expect to keep staff numbers steady, seeking internal efficiencies and productivity gains with their existing team. Where previously headcount was frozen or reducing, we’re now seeing a ‘loosening’ with roles being replaced immediately,” added Mr Tomich.

Industries with the strongest intentions to hire include Manufacturing & Industrial where 50.9% intend to hire more staff this quarter, followed by IT&T (50.6%) and Consumer (42.5%).

“Singapore is increasingly a base for investment and engagement with emerging markets within multinational companies in Asia Pacific. We are also seeing high demand and short supply of candidates who have regional experience and proficiency in Mandarin,” said Mr Tomich.

Contracting in the Banking & Financial Services sector is increasingly robust, with employers seeking to satisfy headcount needs through temporary resources, intending to increase contractor headcount by 18.1pp. Risk control, risk management and compliance roles are in high demand.