Trend of Fix-term Contracts of Less Than One Year in Duration

45 Mr Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari asked the Minister for Manpower in view of the 2025 data showing a rise in the share of fixed-term contracts of less than one year (a) whether the Ministry has studied the industries driving this trend; and (b) whether this shift reflects a move toward "just-in-time" hiring that may undermine workers' CPF contributions, housing loan eligibility, and career advancement.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower has observed only a slight increase in fixed-term contracts of less than one year among resident employees from 1.6% in 2024 to 1.7% in 2025. This was largely driven by sectors, such as accommodation and food services, where short-term and seasonal hiring is common.

Over the past decade, the share of such contracts has remained low and on a general downward trend, with permanent employment continuing to account for over nine in 10 resident employees. Taken together, the data do not point to a broad shift towards "just-in-time" hiring that would undermine workers' longer-term employment outcomes.