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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).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“For instance, construction activity typically slows during the Chinese New Year period.”<\/p>\n
Employment growth, after adjusting for seasonality, remained higher than a year ago, though still slowed from the previous quarter, added MOM.<\/p>\n
Employment grew for both residents and non-residents in Q1 2026. Resident employment growth was concentrated in the transportation and storage sector, as well as in administrative and support services.<\/p>\n
Non-resident employment growth continued to be driven by the construction sector, but at a slower rate than the last quarter, said MOM.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, unemployment rates edged up in March 2026, but remained broadly stable when compared with December 2025.<\/p>\n
Resident unemployment for both months stayed the same at 2.9 per cent, while citizen unemployment stood at 3.1 per cent in March 2026, compared with 3 per cent in December 2025.<\/p>\n
The number of retrenchments stood at 3,700 \u2013 or 1.5 per 1,000 employees \u2013 in Q1 2026, comparable to the 3,690 in the previous quarter.<\/p>\n
“Retrenchments were stable or declined across most sectors, with a majority occurring due to business reorganisation or restructuring,” said MOM.<\/p>\n
MOM said the full labour market report for Q1 2026 will be released in mid-June.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n