Total employment expanded, while job vacancies remained high in the second quarter
Singapore's labour market remained resilient in the second quarter of 2025, according to government data, with total employment expanding and job vacancies remaining high.
The Ministry of Manpower's Labour Market Report showed that total employment expanded by 10,400 in the second quarter of 2025.
Resident employment grew by 2,600, led by the Financial and Insurance Services, as well as the Health and Social Services sectors.
Non-resident employment also expanded by 7,800, with the growth mainly coming from Work Permit holders who worked as construction labourers and drivers.
"The labour market remained resilient in 2Q 2025, in line with the continued economic expansion," the ministry said.
Unemployment rate
The unemployment rate remained stable at two per cent in June, similar to the figure reported in March and April, according to the report.
It went up, however, for residents aged below 30 to 5.7%. This is the first time that it has increased for the age group this year.
"But it remained within the pre-recessionary range (between 4.9% and 6.1%)," the report read.
"They are also now likely to be unemployed for longer as their long-term unemployment rate declined over the quarter."
Job vacancies in Singapore
Meanwhile, job vacancies slightly declined to 76,900 in June 2025, with the drop being broad-based across most sectors.
"Even so, there remained more vacancies than the number of jobseekers, with the ratio of job vacancies to unemployed persons standing at 1.35," the report said.
It warned, however, that global uncertainty is expected to impact hiring and wages.
"Overall, labour market adjustments are expected to come mainly through slower hiring and moderated wage growth, while retrenchments may rise modestly but remain low," the report said.
Singapore's employment outlook has continued its descent in the fourth quarter, according to the latest ManpowerGroup report.
It found that 37% of employers are expecting an increase in headcount, while 17% are anticipating a decrease. Another 45% said they are not expecting any changes.
