SINGAPORE: Singapore’s total employment growth moderated in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the previous quarter, but the labour market remained resilient as employment grew for the 18th consecutive quarter, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Thursday (Apr 30).
Employment growth also remained stronger than a year ago, while unemployment rates and retrenchments remained broadly stable, said MOM in an advance release of its quarterly labour force report.
Earlier this month, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said the overall business outlook had softened and that employment growth was expected to ease from the gains seen in 2025 due to the Middle East conflict.
Total employment grew by 5,000 in Q1 2026, higher than the 2,300 increase in Q1 2025, but down from the 17,700 increase in Q4 2025.
“The moderation this quarter reflects seasonal effects and a step-down from a high base, rather than a broad-based weakening in the labour market,” said MOM.
