Singapore Q4 Jobless Rate Confirmed at 2%

Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 2% in Q4 2025, confirming preliminary estimates and unchanged from the previous period. Resident unemployment remained at 2.9%, while the unemployment rate for citizens was stable at 3%. Retrenchments stayed low, with 3,690 workers laid off during the quarter, equivalent to 1.5 retrenched per 1,000 employees. Total employment rose by 17,700 in Q4, moderating from 25,100 in Q3 but remaining above levels seen in H1 2025. Resident employment growth was concentrated in professional services, financial services, and health & social services, while non-resident gains were driven by construction and manufacturing. Seasonal hiring boosted jobs in administrative & support services and retail trade. For the full year, total employment expanded by 55,500, comprising 11,600 residents and 43,900 non-residents. In Q1 2026, the labour market is expected to expand, though firms remain cautious.