Singapore Jobless Rate Hits 2-Year High

2026-04-30 04:28 By Czyrill Jean Coloma 1 min. read

Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up to 2.1% in the first quarter of 2026, after holding steady at 2% for four consecutive quarters, according to preliminary estimates.

It marked the highest level since Q1 2024, with the resident unemployment rate remaining unchanged at 2.9%, while the citizen unemployment rate ticked higher to 3.1% from 3%.

Retrenchments remained stable at 3,700 workers, broadly unchanged from 3,690 in the previous quarter, or 1.5 per 1,000 employees.

Meanwhile, total employment grew by 5,000 in Q1 2026, stronger than 2,300 from a year earlier but well below the 17,700 increase in Q4 2025.

Resident job growth was led by transportation and storage, and administrative and support services, while non-resident employment gains were led by construction.

Looking ahead, the labour market is expected to remain tight and expand, but firms are likely to stay cautious on hiring and wages amid ongoing uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.



News Stream
Singapore Q1 Jobless Rate Revised Lower
Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was revised lower to 2.0% in the first quarter of 2026 from 2.1% in the preliminary estimates, holding steady at 2.0% for five consecutive quarters. The resident unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.9%, while the citizen unemployment rate edged higher to 3.1% from 3.0%. Retrenchments remained low at 3,830 workers, a slight increase from 3,690 in Q4, equivalent to 1.5 per 1,000 employees. Meanwhile, total employment increased by 9,400 in Q1 2026, marking the 18th consecutive quarter of growth since 4Q 2021. Resident job growth was led by administrative & support services and transportation & storage, while non-resident employment growth was supported by construction and manufacturing. Looking ahead, labour market conditions are expected to remain resilient, although firms may adopt a more cautious approach in hiring and wage increases amid heightened global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
2026-06-15
Singapore Jobless Rate Hits 2-Year High
Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up to 2.1% in the first quarter of 2026, after holding steady at 2% for four consecutive quarters, according to preliminary estimates. It marked the highest level since Q1 2024, with the resident unemployment rate remaining unchanged at 2.9%, while the citizen unemployment rate ticked higher to 3.1% from 3%. Retrenchments remained stable at 3,700 workers, broadly unchanged from 3,690 in the previous quarter, or 1.5 per 1,000 employees. Meanwhile, total employment grew by 5,000 in Q1 2026, stronger than 2,300 from a year earlier but well below the 17,700 increase in Q4 2025. Resident job growth was led by transportation and storage, and administrative and support services, while non-resident employment gains were led by construction. Looking ahead, the labour market is expected to remain tight and expand, but firms are likely to stay cautious on hiring and wages amid ongoing uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
2026-04-30
Singapore Q4 Jobless Rate Confirmed at 2%
Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 2% in Q4 2025, confirming preliminary estimates and unchanged from the previous period. Resident unemployment remained at 2.9%, while the unemployment rate for citizens was stable at 3%. Retrenchments stayed low, with 3,690 workers laid off during the quarter, equivalent to 1.5 retrenched per 1,000 employees. Total employment rose by 17,700 in Q4, moderating from 25,100 in Q3 but remaining above levels seen in H1 2025. Resident employment growth was concentrated in professional services, financial services, and health & social services, while non-resident gains were driven by construction and manufacturing. Seasonal hiring boosted jobs in administrative & support services and retail trade. For the full year, total employment expanded by 55,500, comprising 11,600 residents and 43,900 non-residents. In Q1 2026, the labour market is expected to expand, though firms remain cautious.
2026-03-20