Singapore Unemployment Rate

Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up to 2.1% in the second quarter of 2025, from 2.0% in the previous quarter, a preliminary estimate showed. This marked the highest level since the first quarter of 2024, though it still reflects a resilient labor market amid continued economic growth. Total employment rose significantly during the quarter (8,400 vs 2,300 in Q1), driven by larger gains in both resident and non-resident employment. Meanwhile, the number of retrenchments remained stable (3,500 vs 3,590), with most sectors seeing similar or lower levels. Business reorganization or restructuring remained the leading cause of job cuts. However, signs of softening continued to emerge in some outward-oriented sectors, particularly in professional services and information and communications. Looking ahead, persistent global economic uncertainty may weigh on hiring and wage growth, especially in sectors exposed to external demand.