Jobs open up in manufacturing

MANUFACTURING             HIRING               HUMAN RESOURCES

Singapore - It seems the axe has stopped falling on employees in manufacturing, as companies in the sector look to hire instead, finds a new report.

Manufacturing companies are increasingly optimistic about hiring, with 32% saying they will recruit more staff this quarter, up from 21% in the previous quarter, says The Hudson Report released yesterday.

The report is a quarterly survey of employer hiring expectations and covers the China (Beijing and Shanghai), Hong Kong and Singapore markets in Asia.

The bright spot in the manufacturing sector follows general optimism in hiring expectations across industries, with 34% of respondents expecting to grow headcount in the fourth quarter, up from 26% in the previous quarter.

The study also finds the proportion of respondents forecasting a reduction in headcount in the manufacturing sector falling sharply from 16% to 4% this quarter. "There is less uncertainty over the economy, and major projects are going ahead, boosting demand for specialist staff," the survey says.

Companies in the manufacturing sector are, however, on the lookout for staff with specific skill sets to tackle the post-recession economy. Jobseekers in the sector should be warned that companies are looking for experience and track record. Demand for candidates with experience in specialist, high value industries like oil and gas is also particularly strong, the survey says.

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