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Fewer companies in Singapore looking to hire in final quarter: Survey

SINGAPORE — Fewer companies in Singapore expect to increase headcount in the final quarter of this year, according to a survey.

Only 44 per cent of employers intend to add their staff strength, a drop of nearly 5 percentage points compared to the previous quarter. Photo: Francine Lim, channelnewsasia.com

Only 44 per cent of employers intend to add their staff strength, a drop of nearly 5 percentage points compared to the previous quarter. Photo: Francine Lim, channelnewsasia.com

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SINGAPORE — Fewer companies in Singapore expect to increase headcount in the final quarter of this year, according to a survey.

The report by recruitment firm Hudson showed about 44 per cent of employers intend to add their staff strength, a drop of nearly 5 percentage points compared to the previous quarter.

The latest Hudson Report on Employment Trends released today (Sept 26) pointed out that with the difficult global market conditions, employers are taking a considered approach to making new hires.

In addition, Hudson said recruitment processes are longer as companies ensure the right hires are being made.

Mr Andrew Tomich, executive general manager at Hudson Singapore, said: “The companies we work with, 90 per cent always ask us to look local first — and that could be one of the reasons why the process has extended over 10 weeks, because we do search that market for the local talent.”

Sectors seeing robust recruitment are banking and financial services, as well as consumer services.

The report also showed companies are also hiring fewer contract workers — the intention to recruit contract staff fell by 2 percentage points, to about 24 per cent.

Instead, more companies are keeping headcount steady. Nearly 52 per cent of employers intend to maintain their numbers — up by 3 percentage points from the previous quarter.

Hudson said the government’s recent announcements on fair hiring for Singaporeans and further increases in salary requirements for Employment Pass workers is unlikely to hamper hiring intentions for companies.

Mr Tomich added: “Companies will still need to make profits, and still need to look at their workforce. So, I don’t think there’s much change there, but what we will see is the reassessment of who they hire, without a doubt.

“They will see, if they are looking local, can the local talent have the skill set for that role. There will definitely be a heavier focus on the local pool, but at the same time from a hiring intention point of view, I don’t think that will change because Singapore is still open for business.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA

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