Summary: A SNEF survey found that 58% of Singapore employers plan to freeze headcount in 2026, up from 50% in 2024. Rising manpower costs remain the top challenge, with 79% of employers citing it as a key issue. Despite the cautious outlook, 96% of employers plan to provide wage increases for lower-wage workers earning up to $2,700 monthly.

Link: https://www.straitstimes.com/business/nearly-3-in-5-employers-plan-to-freeze-headcount-in-2026-snef-survey