Unemployment in Singapore edges up in 3rd quarter: MOM

SINGAPORE - Unemployment for citizens and permanent residents edged up in the third quarter of the year amid softer economic conditions, although total employment rose.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for citizens was 3.1 per cent up from 2.9 per cent in the previous quarter, and for residents, the rate was 3 per cent up from 2.8 per cent.

Overall, the rate remained unchanged at 2 per cent, according to preliminary figures released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Thursday (Oct 29).

"MOM and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency stand ready to help displaced local workers to re-skill and upgrade so that they are able to take on new jobs," the ministry said in a statement.

From July to September, employment grew by 16,400 faster than in the last quarter (9,700), as a result of growth in services and construction.

This brings the number of persons employed in Singapore to 3,644,000 in September 2015, which was 1.7 per cent higher than a year ago.

Firms laid off fewer workers for the third consecutive quarter with 2,900 workers laid off, down from 3,250 in the preceding quarter.

maryanns@sph.com.sg