Improving Labour Market Statistical Literacy for Organisations and Individual Users 10-12 min Eugenia Goh, Ministry of Manpower (Singapore), eugenia_goh@mom.gov.sg Ang Boon Heng, Ministry of Manpower (Singapore), ang_boon_heng@mom.gov.sg Jeremy Heng, Ministry of Manpower (Singapore), jeremy_heng@mom.gov.sg 28 June 2018 Session 15

Manpower Research and Statistics Department National Statistical Agency on labour market statistics in Singapore Our work and services We collect, analyse, and disseminate essential statistical information on Singapore's labour market We serve diverse user communities by providing products and services that are objective, timely, accurate and relevant Our reports, tables, interactive charts, videographics and infographics can be accessed via stats.mom.gov.sg

Misinterpretations of labour market statistics The unemployment rate is 2.9%. I am interested to know the employment rate. Can I derive the employment rate by taking 100%-unemployment rate?

Misinterpretations of labour market statistics The unemployment rate is 2.9%. I am interested to know the employment rate. Can I derive the employment rate by taking 100%-unemployment rate?

Utilising labour market statistical literacy MRSD’s approach: Utilising labour market statistical literacy To ensure proper usage and understanding of manpower statistics

Our key stakeholders

Labour market sessions with educational institutions Where are the jobs? Employment conditions Areas of growth in the economy Starting pay Skills employers look out for Labour market concepts Expectations of job search Up and coming jobs Current labour market situation in Singapore

Statistical literacy sessions Importance of labour market statistics Common misconceptions Structure of the labour market Statistical production process Key labour market statistics Sources of data

MRSD’s statistical website: http://stats.mom.gov.sg Regular releases “Understanding statistics”

Labour market statistical literacy survey results 79% correct Who is considered unemployed? 60% If a person is working part-time, is he/she considered employed or unemployed? 35% correct What is the resident unemployment rate in December 2017? 9% What is the employment change (excluding foreign domestic workers) in 2017? 60% Which industry employs the most people?

Future steps Surveying different users on labour market statistical literacy and knowledge

Improving Labour Market Statistical Literacy for Organisations and Individual Users Thank you Eugenia Goh, Ministry of Manpower (Singapore), eugenia_goh@mom.gov.sg Ang Boon Heng, Ministry of Manpower (Singapore), ang_boon_heng@mom.gov.sg Jeremy Heng, Ministry of Manpower (Singapore), jeremy_heng@mom.gov.sg