Wages of workers in unpopular jobs could stay up for good, observers say

If locals continue to shun certain roles, those left holding those jobs will earn more; locals will also earn more from higher skills and automation

Annabeth Leow

Published Thu, Jun 3, 2021 · 05:50 AM

Singapore manpower

Singapore

MORE than a year into the economic hurricane, Singapore faces both a foreign manpower shortage and elevated local unemployment.

Border curbs have put upward pressure on wages in some rank-and-file jobs typically filled by work permit and S-Pass holders, as migrants command higher pay, and employers woo local staff to plug the gaps.

Andrew Tan, country manager at recruiter Wantedly, said that employers are offering up to 20 per cent more for local hires in service roles, as they can save on foreign-worker levies and enjoy wage support under the Jobs Growth Incentive.

For instance, the median monthly salary for ser…