A study on the agency work industry in Singapore

Abstract

Agency work is a conundrum. It lowers search costs but undermines employment conditions and rights; it offers job flexibility but compromises on job security. While there has been substantial research on the agency work industry in the United States, Europe and Japan, little has been done in Asia, including Singapore.

This paper conducts an in-depth analysis on the agency work industry in Singapore. The research is both statistical and analytical. Specifically, analysis is done on the following characteristics: demographics, job classification, job tenure, fringe benefits received, knowledge on labour legislation, awareness and perception of representation by trade unions and prospects of agency work. Association between variables are also observed and tested for statistical significance. The study suggests that future research work could include a longitudinal study and comparison across Asian nations which are similar to Singapore in their economic development.