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Rising manpower costs challenge 76% of large companies

The share rose 11 percentage points from 65% in 2025, the highest level among the top five.

Rising manpower costs remain the biggest manpower challenge for 76% of large companies, according to the Singapore Business Federation’s National Business Survey 2026.

The percentage increased from 65% in 2025.

More than half, or 51%, said foreign manpower policies that raise costs also posed a major challenge, up from 46%.

Another 45% had difficulty attracting and/or retaining younger workers, up from 43%, whilst the same proportion were unable to find candidates with relevant skillsets, up from 38%.

A notable 42% were unable to reduce dependence on foreign manpower, up sharply from 26%.

The report, released in September, was based on 78 large companies.

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