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Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
A third of employers raising their reliance on contract, flexi-work hires: Jobstreet survey
[SINGAPORE] Hiring confidence in Singapore has rebounded in recent times, with 42 per cent of employers planning to employ more permanent staff in the first half of 2025, based on Jobstreet by SEEK's Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report released on Tuesday (May 27). This was a mark higher than the 32 per cent of employers who expressed confidence in a more active job market for the second half of 2024. The increased figure was in line with Singapore's 2025 forecast gross domestic product growth of about 1 to 3 per cent. While permanent employment is in demand, 31 per cent of employers said they are increasing their reliance on contract, part-time staff and flexi-work hires this year, up from 15 per cent in 2024. This was primarily driven by small and medium-sized businesses, the report indicated, with their key reasons including the need to expand their business, looking for a more flexible workforce, and requiring new roles and skill sets. The survey was conducted between September and October 2024, and received responses from 887 hirers and human resources professionals in Singapore across a range of industries such as trade and manufacturing services, engineering, and technology and data. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up In 2024, 76 per cent of companies awarded bonuses, with the average payouts remaining consistent with the previous year. Only 79 per cent of businesses implemented salary increases last year, down from 84 per cent in 2023. Staff promotions fell to 54 per cent in 2024, compared to 59 per cent in the year before. Those promoted in 2024 also received lower compensation increases – in the 1 to 5 per cent range – as compared to those who received promotions in 2023. On the other hand, various non-monetary perks such as flexible work arrangements, mental health days and family care gained traction among businesses to enhance quality of life and employee well-being. Benefits such as additional paternity leave (16 per cent), family care leave (14 per cent), and maternity leave (12 per cent) gained popularity in 2024, reflecting how employers wish to better support employees' family lives. This was in line with Singapore's enhanced parental leave policies, such as the Enhanced Government-Paid Paternity Leave and New Shared Parental Leave schemes. Additionally, companies in Singapore these days are investing more in long-term employee career development, with plans to expand access to training or self-learning programmes (8 per cent), apprenticeship or mentoring opportunities (9 per cent), and job rotation opportunities (9 per cent) in 2025. Top full-time permanent job functions hired in 2025 The report noted that the top three job functions for 88 per cent of companies hired in 2024 remained consistent with those in 2023. Administration and human resources took the top spot at 36 per cent, followed by accounting at 28 per cent, then sales and business development at 23 per cent. New entries to the top five permanent full-time job functions were that of customer service at 16 per cent, and branding and marketing at 14 per cent. AI literacy as a 'must-have', though adoption still lags A key qualification today for many jobs is fluency in artificial intelligence (AI), with 54 per cent of employers now considering it during hiring and candidate assessment, and nearly one in five viewing it as a primary consideration. But despite this demand, only 15 per cent of businesses have implemented AI tools to assist with recruitment. The main barriers to adoption include the perception that AI is unnecessary in the recruitment process (51 per cent), concerns about losing the human touch and personalisation (44 per cent), and lack of knowledge or access to AI applications (40 per cent). 'Singapore's job market is entering a new chapter,' said Vic Sithasanan, managing director at Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore. 'Where salary once reigned supreme, the data shows us that employers and jobseekers are now focused on AI readiness, work-life flexibility, and meaningful career development.' 'For jobseekers, standing out means not only demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous upskilling, but also displaying real-world AI skills and a willingness to embrace qualities that are now essential to thrive in Singapore's job market.'
Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
A third of employers raising their reliance on contract, flexi-workers: Jobstreet survey
[SINGAPORE] Hiring confidence in Singapore has rebounded in recent times, with 42 per cent of employers planning to employ more permanent staff in the first half of 2025, based on Jobstreet by SEEK's Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report released on Tuesday (May 27). This was a mark higher than the 32 per cent of employers who expressed confidence in a more active job market for the second half of 2024. The increased figure was in line with Singapore's 2025 forecast gross domestic product growth of about 1 to 3 per cent. The survey was conducted between September and October 2024, and received responses from 887 hirers and human resources professionals in Singapore across a range of industries such as trade and manufacturing services, engineering, and technology and data. While permanent employment is in demand, 31 per cent of employers said they are increasing their reliance on contract, part-time staff and flexi-work hires this year, up from 15 per cent in 2024. This was primarily driven by small and medium-sized businesses, the report indicated, with their key reasons including the need to expand their business, looking for a more flexible workforce, and requiring new roles and skill sets. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up In 2024, 76 per cent of companies awarded bonuses, with the average payouts remaining consistent with the previous year. Only 79 per cent of businesses implemented salary increases last year, down from 84 per cent in 2023. Staff promotions fell to 54 per cent in 2024, compared to 59 per cent in the year before. Those promoted in 2024 also received lower compensation increases – in the 1 to 5 per cent range – as compared to those who received promotions in 2023. On the other hand, various non-monetary perks such as flexible work arrangements, mental health days and family care gained traction among businesses to enhance quality of life and employee well-being. Benefits such as additional paternity leave (16 per cent), family care leave (14 per cent), and maternity leave (12 per cent) gained popularity in 2024, reflecting how employers wish to better support employees' family lives. This was in line with Singapore's enhanced parental leave policies, such as the Enhanced Government-Paid Paternity Leave and New Shared Parental Leave schemes. Additionally, companies in Singapore these days are investing more in long-term employee career development, with plans to expand access to training or self-learning programmes (8 per cent), apprenticeship or mentoring opportunities (9 per cent), and job rotation opportunities (9 per cent) in 2025. Top full-time permanent job functions hired in 2025 The report noted that the top three job functions for 88 per cent of companies hired in 2024 remained consistent with those in 2023. Administration and human resources took the top spot at 36 per cent, followed by accounting at 28 per cent, then sales and business development at 23 per cent. New entries to the top five permanent full-time job functions were that of customer service at 16 per cent, and branding and marketing at 14 per cent. AI literacy as a 'must-have', though adoption still lags A key qualification today for many jobs is fluency in artificial intelligence (AI), with 54 per cent of employers now considering it during hiring and candidate assessment, and nearly one in five viewing it as a primary consideration. But despite this demand, only 15 per cent of businesses have implemented AI tools to assist with recruitment. The main barriers to adoption include the perception that AI is unnecessary in the recruitment process (51 per cent), concerns about losing the human touch and personalisation (44 per cent), and lack of knowledge or access to AI applications (40 per cent). 'Singapore's job market is entering a new chapter,' said Vic Sithasanan, managing director at Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore. 'Where salary once reigned supreme, the data shows us that employers and jobseekers are now focused on AI readiness, work-life flexibility, and meaningful career development.' 'For jobseekers, standing out means not only demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous upskilling, but also displaying real-world AI skills and a willingness to embrace qualities that are now essential to thrive in Singapore's job market.'
Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
A third of employers raising their reliance on contract, part-time workers: Jobstreet survey
[SINGAPORE] Hiring confidence in Singapore has rebounded in recent times, with 42 per cent of employers planning to employ more permanent staff in the first half of 2025, based on Jobstreet by SEEK's Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report released on Tuesday (May 27). This was a mark higher than the 32 per cent of employers who expressed confidence in a more active job market for the second half of 2024. The increased figure was in line with Singapore's 2025 forecast gross domestic product growth of about 1 to 3 per cent. The survey was conducted between September and October 2024, and received responses from 887 hirers and human resources professionals in Singapore across a range of industries such as trade and manufacturing services, engineering, and technology and data. While permanent employment is in demand, 31 per cent of employers said they are increasing their reliance on contract, part-time staff and flex-work hires this year, up from 15 per cent in 2024. This was primarily driven by small and medium-sized businesses, the report indicated, with their key reasons including the need to expand their business, looking for a more flexible workforce, and requiring new roles and skill sets. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up In 2024, 76 per cent of companies awarded bonuses, with the average payouts remaining consistent with the previous year. Only 79 per cent of businesses implemented salary increases last year, down from 84 per cent in 2023. Staff promotions fell to 54 per cent in 2024, compared to 59 per cent in the year before. Those promoted in 2024 also received lower compensation increases – in the 1 to 5 per cent range – as compared to those who received promotions in 2023. On the other hand, various non-monetary perks such as flexible work arrangements, mental health days and family care gained traction among businesses to enhance quality of life and employee well-being. Benefits such as additional paternity leave (16 per cent), family care leave (14 per cent), and maternity leave (12 per cent) gained popularity in 2024, reflecting how employers wish to better support employees' family lives. This was in line with Singapore's enhanced parental leave policies, such as the Enhanced Government-Paid Paternity Leave and New Shared Parental Leave schemes. Additionally, companies in Singapore these days are investing more in long-term employee career development, with plans to expand access to training or self-learning programmes (8 per cent), apprenticeship or mentoring opportunities (9 per cent), and job rotation opportunities (9 per cent) in 2025. Top full-time permanent job functions hired in 2025 The report noted that the top three job functions for 88 per cent of companies hired in 2024 remained consistent with those in 2023. Administration and human resources took the top spot at 36 per cent, followed by accounting at 28 per cent, then sales and business development at 23 per cent. New entries to the top five permanent full-time job functions were that of customer service at 16 per cent, and branding and marketing at 14 per cent. AI literacy as a 'must-have', though adoption still lags A key qualification today for many jobs is fluency in artificial intelligence (AI), with 54 per cent of employers now considering it during hiring and candidate assessment, and nearly one in five viewing it as a primary consideration. But despite this demand, only 15 per cent of businesses have implemented AI tools to assist with recruitment. The main barriers to adoption include the perception that AI is unnecessary in the recruitment process (51 per cent), concerns about losing the human touch and personalisation (44 per cent), and lack of knowledge or access to AI applications (40 per cent). 'Singapore's job market is entering a new chapter,' said Vic Sithasanan, managing director at Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore. 'Where salary once reigned supreme, the data shows us that employers and jobseekers are now focused on AI readiness, work-life flexibility, and meaningful career development.' 'For jobseekers, standing out means not only demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous upskilling, but also displaying real-world AI skills and a willingness to embrace qualities that are now essential to thrive in Singapore's job market.'
Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Over 40% of employers plan to hire more permanent staff; 1 in 3 rely on contract, part-time talent: Jobstreet
[SINGAPORE] Hiring confidence in Singapore has rebounded in recent times, with 42 per cent of employers planning to employ more permanent staff in the first half of 2025, based on Jobstreet by Seek's Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report released on Tuesday (May 27). This was a mark higher than the 32 per cent of employers who expressed confidence in a more active job market for the second half of 2024. The increased figure was in line with Singapore's 2025 forecast gross domestic product growth of about 1 to 3 per cent. The survey was conducted between September and October 2024, and received responses from 887 hirers and human resources professionals in Singapore across a range of industries such as trade and manufacturing services, engineering, and technology and data. While permanent employment is in demand, 31 per cent of employers said they are increasing their reliance on contract, part-time staff and flex-work hires this year, up from 15 per cent in 2024. This was primarily driven by small and medium-sized businesses, the report indicated, with their key reasons including the need to expand their business, looking for a more flexible workforce, and requiring new roles and skill sets. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up In 2024, 76 per cent of companies awarded bonuses, with the average payouts remaining consistent with the previous year. Only 79 per cent of businesses implemented salary increases last year, down from 84 per cent in 2023. Staff promotions fell to 54 per cent in 2024, compared to 59 per cent in the year before. Those promoted in 2024 also received lower compensation increases – in the 1 to 5 per cent range – as compared to those who received promotions in 2023. On the other hand, various non-monetary perks such as flexible work arrangements, mental health days, and family care, gained traction among businesses to enhance quality of life and employee well-being. Benefits such as additional paternity leave (16 per cent), family care leave (14 per cent), and maternity leave (12 per cent) gained popularity in 2024, reflecting how employers wish to better support employees' family lives. This was in line with Singapore's enhanced parental leave policies, such as the Enhanced Government-Paid Paternity Leave and New Shared Parental Leave schemes. Additionally, companies in Singapore these days are investing more in long-term employee career development, with plans to expand access to training or self-learning programmes (8 per cent), apprenticeship or mentoring opportunities (9 per cent), and job rotation opportunities (9 per cent) in 2025. Top full-time permanent job functions hired in 2025 The report noted that the top three job functions for 88 per cent of companies hired in 2024 remained consistent with those in 2023. Administration and human resources took the top spot at 36 per cent, followed by accounting at 28 per cent, then sales and business development at 23 per cent. New entries to the top five permanent full-time job functions were that of customer service at 16 per cent, and branding and marketing at 14 per cent. AI literacy as a 'must-have', though adoption still lags A key qualification today for many jobs is fluency in artificial intelligence (AI), with 54 per cent of employers now considering it during hiring and candidate assessment, and nearly one in five viewing it as a primary consideration. But despite this demand, only 15 per cent of businesses have implemented AI tools to assist with recruitment. The main barriers to adoption include the perception that AI is unnecessary in the recruitment process (51 per cent), concerns about losing the human touch and personalisation (44 per cent), and lack of knowledge or access to AI applications (40 per cent). 'Singapore's job market is entering a new chapter,' said Vic Sithasanan, managing director at Jobstreet by Seek in Singapore. 'Where salary once reigned supreme, the data shows us that employers and jobseekers are now focused on AI readiness, work-life flexibility, and meaningful career development.' 'For jobseekers, standing out means not only demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous upskilling, but also displaying real-world AI skills and a willingness to embrace qualities that are now essential to thrive in Singapore's job market.'
Edinburgh Reporter
5 days ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Public meeting about EIJB cuts
Free tickets for a public meeting about the effect of cuts by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) on mental health services in the capital have 'sold out'. While the EIJB will not meet to discuss the cuts until 17 June, charity Change Mental Health has set up a town hall style meeting which will be attended by around 1,200 people. The charity says the EIJB are now reviewing Thrive contracts worth £1.8million – with a view to cut services to close their deficit. 'But this doesn't add up: Cuts to cheaper and more effective community services will only increase demand on GPs, A&E, social work and other statutory services. These services are already at breaking point. Early intervention and prevention saves money in the long run and can lead to better clinical outcomes. 'Come along to our public meeting, hear directly from the charities and people involved, and join us to organise a stop to cuts to Let Edinburgh Thrive' Change Mental Health says its centre in Edinburgh saves the NHS up to £4.4 million a year in psychiatric related hospital admissions. The Stafford Centre which runs early intervention and prevention-based services in Broughton Street offers support to more than 640 people. It also provides an additional 9,870 hours of mental health care under the Thrive programme which is delivered by several organisations and charities. The Edinburgh Thrive Collective is an award-winning programme for delivering mental health services in Edinburgh. The charities and the public sector work together to deliver community mental health services and support in Edinburgh – including vital early intervention and prevention measures. The cuts which are planned by The Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) have been severe for the third sector organisations affected – but a spokesperson for the mental health charity Change said these cuts will not only be devastating for their organisation but for community mental health all over Edinburgh. He said: 'Edinburgh could potentially be left as an outlier in Western Europe where other cities continue to invest in community-based mental health services'. At Holyrood Foysol Choudhury MSP raised the matter at a recent session of First Minister's Questions. Mr Choudhury asked First Minister, John Swinney: 'The First Minister talks about prevention, but the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board is being forced to make cuts to preventative care and third sector organisations, including the Stafford Centre, which supports 640 people with mental health issues and is estimated to save the NHS up to £4.4 million in hospital admissions. Given the situation in joint boards across Scotland, does the First Minister recognise that prevention will not be possible if IJBs are in permanent financial crisis?' The First Minister replied: 'Obviously, I want to make sure that the types of services that Mr Choudhury has raised are supported around the country. Those are operational decisions for integration joint boards to make. They can make those decisions based only on the financial allocations that this Parliament makes, and Mr Choudhury was unable to support the allocations of funding that the Government made to cover such services. 'We will certainly work with the integration joint boards, but Mr Choudhury cannot be absolved of his responsibility for failing to support the budget, which is delivering the investment that is necessary in health and social care. [Interruption.] The Labour Party members can moan at me all they want about the public finances but they have not been prepared to put the money in to support people in the communities of Scotland.' Jeremy Balfour MSP for Lothian asked a question on a similar vein. He asked: 'I have been contacted by numerous charities in my region that will have to cease providing vital preventative care for individuals in the Lothians due to the IJB cuts. The First Minister said that he wants to lay aside politics and do the best for the people of Scotland. Will he now intervene in the crisis to make sure that NHS Lothian does not cut the budget to the IJB? That cut would put vulnerable people out of the services that they require. Rather than talk about previous measures, will he now be proactive in working with NHS Lothian and the council to make sure that the IJB gets the appropriate funding?' The First Minister replied: 'The Government engages with health boards around the country, and local authorities have their own decisions to make as part of the IJB structures. We will engage constructively in any way that we can to help on those issues. 'Mr Balfour is another one who comes here and asks me to invest in local services, when his party leader wants me to cut public expenditure by £1 billion. How will that help IJBs around the country? 'I will not tire of pointing out the total and utter hypocrisy of the people who come here asking for tax cuts and wanting me to spend more money. It is hypocrisy on stilts.' Miles Briggs MSP asp asked a question about the same topic. He said: 'As we have already heard, the proposals by the Edinburgh integration joint board are likely to see key services cut, including drop-in support, carers services and, even as we mark victory in Europe day, veterans support services. The First Minister apportioned blame, but the cuts are not acceptable. The IJB will cut £29 million from services in Edinburgh. Does he think that our health services will be improved by the decisions that are being taken by the IJB? Will he agree to meet the cross-party group of MSPs who are trying to raise the issue in Parliament and who have just had the First Minister whack this back at us? We need action and we want the First Minister to take heed of that today.' Mr Swinney responded: 'I am simply being straight with the Parliament about the realities that we have to face. That is what I am doing. 'I understand the issues that Miles Briggs is raising with me. I am totally familiar with them and I understand the importance of them. I have just answered Mr Whittle about the importance of a focus on preventative interventions, and many of the interventions that Mr Briggs is talking about are preventative interventions. 'However, the point that I am making to the Parliament is that investment in those services does not happen by accident. It happens by political choice. Mr Briggs was one of those who voted against the Government's budget and he argued in favour, as his leader did, of £1 billion of cuts in public expenditure. How does Mr Briggs think that it would be possible to invest in local services with £1 billion of swingeing cuts from the Conservatives?' Like this: Like Related
