SINGAPORE: Singapore's labour market continued to expand in the first quarter (1Q) of 2026, with total employment increasing by 9,400, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
In a statement, it said the expansion was underpinned by stronger resident employment gains of 5,400 in 1Q 2026, up from 3,100 in the previous quarter, while non-resident employment growth moderated.
"Resident employment gains were led by administrative and support services, and transportation and storage, while non-resident employment growth was supported by construction and manufacturing," the ministry said on Monday.
Unemployment remained low and stable in March 2026, with the overall rate at 2.0 per cent, while the rates for residents and citizens were 2.9 per cent and 3.1 per cent, respectively.
Meanwhile, retrenchments went up to 3,830, or 1.6 per 1,000 employees, in 1Q 2026, a slight increase from 4Q 2025 (3,690 or 1.5 per 1,000 employees).
On outlook, the ministry said 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.
"Labour demand is likely to moderate if external conditions weaken further and elevated global input costs persist," it added. - Bernama
