Singapore’s latest labour market data has revealed a moderate increase in unemployment rates, sparking concerns among economic experts and policymakers. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 2.3% in June 2026, up from 2.1% in the previous month.
The slight uptick in unemployment rates can be attributed to various factors, including the ongoing impact of the global economic slowdown and the recent trade tensions between major economies. The MOM reported that the number of residents unemployed stood at 74,600, a 5.1% increase from the same period last year. Meanwhile, the total number of employed residents decreased by 0.9% to 3.38 million.
To mitigate the effects of the rising unemployment rates, the Singaporean government has announced plans to increase funding for job training and placement programs. The Ministry of Education has also introduced new initiatives aimed at enhancing the employability of local workers, including re-skilling and up-skilling programs in emerging industries such as technology and sustainability.