Singapore’s job market strengthened in the third quarter of 2025, with total employment rising by 24,800 from July to September, more than double the 10,400 jobs added in the previous quarter, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
The growth was driven by both resident and non-resident employment, reflecting firmer hiring sentiment despite ongoing global economic headwinds. MOM noted that employment gains were particularly strong in resident-heavy sectors such as healthcare, social services, and financial services, while outward-oriented industries like information and communications and professional services continued to face subdued growth.
Retrenchments remained stable at 3,500, with most job losses attributed to corporate restructuring. MOM added that retrenchment figures either declined or held steady across sectors, suggesting resilience in Singapore’s labour market.Unemployment rates also remained low in September 2025, with overall figures comparable to pre-pandemic levels. The jobless rate for Singaporeans and permanent residents stood at 2.8 per cent, while the rate for Singaporeans alone was 3%, levels consistent with those recorded between 2015 and 2019.
Looking ahead, MOM expects employment growth to stay positive but uneven across sectors, as companies continue to adapt to economic shifts while maintaining a cautious but steady hiring outlook.