Singapore Jobless Rate Holds at 2%

Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 2% in Q4 2025, unchanged from the previous quarter, preliminary estimates showed. Resident unemployment remained at 2.9%, while the unemployment rate for citizens was also unchanged at 3%, keeping overall joblessness within the non-recessionary range. Retrenchments stayed low, with 3,600 workers laid off during the quarter, equivalent to 1.5 retrenched per 1,000 employees. The latest figures point to a resilient labour market, underpinned by continued economic growth. Meanwhile, total employment rose by 19,600 in Q4, moderating from an increase of 25,100 in Q3, but remaining well above levels seen in the H1 of 2025, when employment gains stood at 2,300 in Q1 and 10,400 in Q2. For the full year of 2025, the annual average unemployment rate was 2%, unchanged from the year before. Looking ahead to Q1 2026, the labour market is expected to expand, though firms remain cautious amid relatively tight conditions.

Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 2.0% in the third quarter of 2025, unchanged from the previous quarter and confirming preliminary estimates. Supported by ongoing economic growth, the labour market stayed resilient, with total employment rising at a faster pace while unemployment and retrenchments remained low. Total employment increased sharply during the quarter (25,100 vs 10,400 in Q2), driven by gains among both resident and non-resident workers. Growth in resident employment was led by the financial and insurance services and health and social services sectors, while non-resident employment expanded mainly in construction and manufacturing. Additionally, retrenchments remained low at 3,670 (1.6 retrenched per 1,000 employees), with reorganisation or restructuring continuing to be the main reason (at 61%). Looking ahead, employment and wage growth are expected to moderate.

Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 2.0% in the third quarter of 2025, unchanged from the previous quarter, a preliminary estimate showed. The latest figure reflected a resilient labor market, with unemployment and retrenchment levels remaining low and stable, supported by continued economic growth. Total employment rose significantly during the quarter (24,800 vs 10,400 in Q2), driven by gains among both resident and non-resident workers. Meanwhile, the number of retrenchments remained stable (3,500 vs 3,540), with the majority attributed to business reorganisation or restructuring. Looking ahead to Q4, employment growth is expected to remain positive but uneven across sectors, with outward-oriented industries showing weaker sentiment, while wage growth is likely to moderate.