Labour costs could soar as much as 20%

THE double whammy of higher foreign worker levies and a manpower crunch could send labour costs in some sectors soaring by as much as 20% this year.

The hit will come on July 1 when companies in the services, manufacturing and construction sectors face levy hikes of between S$15 (RM39) and S$200 (RM519) for each foreign worker on staff.