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.

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.

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.