Singapore labor market expands as hiring and wage outlook softens

11 articles · Updated · MarketWatch · Apr 30

Total employment, excluding migrant domestic workers, rose by 5,000 in Q1 2026, outpacing last year but slowing from the previous quarter.
Retrenchments stayed low at 3,700, and the unemployment rate edged up to 2.1% in March. Firms are increasingly cautious about hiring and wage increases amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
The Ministry of Manpower expects continued labor market expansion, but warns of a more measured pace if external conditions worsen. Singapore faces long-term demographic challenges from a low birthrate and aging population.

Singapore's job market is tight yet cautious. Is a major economic slowdown looming just ahead?

Can AI and automation truly offset the economic drag from Singapore's rapidly shrinking workforce?

As Singapore becomes 'super-aged,' are its retirement age hikes enough to sustain the economy?

With pro-family policies failing, what will it take to reverse Singapore's 'existential' birthrate crisis?

As AI creates a massive pay gap, how can average Singaporean workers avoid being left behind?

Flexible work could ease family pressures, so why do many Singaporeans still fear asking for it?