29.01.202604:03:47UTC+00Singapore Q4 Jobless Rate Stays at 2%

Singapore's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 2% in the fourth quarter of 2025, unchanged from the previous quarter, according to preliminary estimates. The jobless rate for residents remained at 2.9%, and for citizens, it held firm at 3%, keeping overall unemployment within a non-recessionary range. Retrenchments were low, with 3,600 workers laid off during the quarter, equating to 1.5 individuals per 1,000 employees. These figures indicate a robust labor market, supported by ongoing economic growth. Total employment increased by 19,600 in the fourth quarter, a moderation from the 25,100 rise in the third quarter, yet still significantly surpassing the gains of the first half of 2025, where employment rose by 2,300 in the first quarter and 10,400 in the second quarter. For the entirety of 2025, the average annual unemployment rate remained consistent at 2%, unchanged from the previous year. As we look ahead to the first quarter of 2026, the labor market is anticipated to expand, though businesses remain cautious due to relatively tight conditions.