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SINGAPORE : Hiring intentions among Singapore employers are expected to return to pre-recession levels early next year.
The optimistic outlook is reflected in a survey by recruitment company Manpower Inc. Singapore employers interviewed forecast healthy headcount growth in 2010.
The survey shows employment opportunities in 2010 will be similar to those seen prior to the global economic downturn which had affected employment not only in Singapore but globally this year.
A total of 699 employers across seven industry sectors was interviewed for the survey. Close to a third expect to increase headcount. Six per cent expect to reduce workers, while 65 per cent foresee no change to their workforce.
Manpower Inc indicates a net employment outlook of 22 per cent between January and March. It is a big jump from the negative 38 per cent net employment outlook recorded in the first quarter of 2009.
Employers from all eight countries in the Asia Pacific region surveyed are also more optimistic about the outlook.
Peter Haglund, country manager, Manpower Singapore, said: "We saw in Singapore in Q3 there was quite a significant rebound where the net employment outlook went up. We ... (see the trend continuing) in Q4 and Q1 next year.
"So independent of where the economy is actually going, what the companies are telling us (is that) they are positive about where it is moving."
The most robust hiring prospects are in the finance, insurance and real estate sectors.
Commenting on the survey findings, labour economist Dr Randolph Tan of the Nanyang Technological University, said: "I think the actual impact on employment growth will be limited, notwithstanding the positive hiring intentions.
"The reasons for that, I think, is actually quite clear. What has happened with the structural changes that occurred during the downturn is that although employers may actually signal an intention to hire more, there is quite a strong possibility that the type of workers they want could be those filling temporary positions. (There are) a lot of uncertainties; in other words, there is going to be quite significant potential for structural unemployment."
As the labour market eases, Manpower Inc recommends that companies work on their branding to ensure they can retain and attract the right talent. - CNA/ms
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