Singapore’s job market recovery continued throughout May despite the re-introduction of Covid-19 restrictions, with job postings across every occupation category recording growth above pre-pandemic levels, according to data from Indeed Singapore.

The data showed job postings for May 2021 were 28.6% higher than 1 February 2020 levels, suggesting renewed business optimism.

However, Indeed notes that despite overall jobs growth, a two-speed recovery is emerging with certain sectors growing faster than others.

Leading the economic recovery are jobs in the Production, Transportation and Material Moving and Installation, Maintenance and Repair sectors. These roles grew the fastest during February 2020 to May 2021 period, growing more than 90%, 77% and 58%, respectively.

“The May figures show renewed business confidence as Singapore emerges from Covid-19 with job listings across all industry sectors reporting strong gains. Sectors such as production, transportation and installation & repair that fuel economic recovery is naturally leading the growth, creating a two-speed jobs recovery,” Indeed APAC economist Callam Pickering said.

Meanwhile, fewer people worked remotely in May 2021 than April 2021, falling from 6.6% to 6%. However, this is still three times higher than before the pandemic. This trend remains consistent across most occupational groups.

“Hybrid and remote work are trends that we believe will linger well past recovery as shown by the continued growth in remote job listings. The fact that remote work has been successful during the pandemic is nothing new with studies showing an increase in worker happiness and productivity levels remaining strong,”’ Pickering said.