Q2 2018 hiring intentions in Singapore: Sectors most likely to hire

ManpowerGroup's quarterly employment outlook survey (MEOS) suggests that the net employment outlook in Singapore for the second-quarter (Q2) of 2018 is +11%.

This takes into account that of the 695 employers in Singapore surveyed, 16% of them plan to increase staffing levels in Q2 2018, 5% forecast a decrease, while 72% anticipate no change in hiring plans.

The strongest hiring intentions have been observed by employers in two sectors - public administration and education (+25%), and finance, insurance and real estate (+24%).

Overall, the report finds that the favourable hiring climate observed in Q1 2018 expected to continue in Q2, with workforce gains anticipated in all seven industry sectors studied. The hiring prospects have improved by three percentage points compared to Q2 2017.

Linda Teo, country manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore, commented: "With the Singapore government announcing their increased support for companies to adopt digital technology and automation in the Budget 2018 speech, we expect more job opportunities with digital functions to be created over the next few quarters."

Teo noted that this is the third consecutive quarter where the public administration and education sector is reporting a strong hiring outlook, explaining: "The growing skills-job mismatch has prompted more people and companies to sign up for courses to enhance their skillsets, especially their digital capabilities. Initiatives such as SkillsFuture and Adapt and Grow have also contributed to the demand for training providers."

Outlooks of +10% and +9% are reported in the wholesale and retail trade sector, and the manufacturing sector, respectively, while services sector employers report an outlook of +8%.

Modest hiring plans are reported in the mining and construction sector with an outlook of +7%, and in the transportation and utilities sector, where the outlook is +6%.

Hiring outlook generally optimistic in APAC region

Staffing levels are expected to grow in all eight Asia Pacific countries and territories surveyed for the April-June period, i.e. Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan.

The strongest regional labour market in the upcoming quarter is forecast by Taiwanese employers, followed by Japan. For the third consecutive quarter, the most cautious outlook is reported in China.

Photos / ManpowerGroup