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Singapore's Employment Growth Slows, Unemployment Edges Up in Q1 2024

Despite a slowdown in overall employment growth and a slight increase in unemployment, retrenchments in Singapore decreased for the second consecutive quarter.

A worker secures a metal frame at a construction site in Singapore. The dip was largely driven by a slump in construction jobs. Photo: AFP
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Overview

  • Singapore's total employment grew by 4,900 in Q1 2024, marking a slowdown from previous quarters.
  • Unemployment rates in Singapore rose slightly to 2.1% in March, with jobless rates among citizens higher at 3.1%.
  • The number of foreign workers in Singapore declined for the first time in over two years, primarily in the construction sector.
  • Applications for higher-skilled employment passes have increased, reflecting improved business expectations.
  • Despite the economic challenges, surveys indicate a positive hiring outlook, with over 50% of firms planning to hire in the next three months.