Business · Economy · 2 hrs ago
Singapore layoffs reach highest level since late 2020
Singapore recorded 4,800 layoffs in the third quarter of 2026, up from 4,620 in the second quarter.
The figure was the highest since the fourth quarter of 2020, when 5,640 people lost their jobs.
Layoffs remained high in industries that depend on international markets.
Overall unemployment stayed at 2% in September, while rates for local residents and citizens edged up.
At the same time, Singapore's workforce grew by 27,700 people in the third quarter, more than in the previous quarter.
The share of companies planning layoffs in the next three months rose to 3.1% from 2.8%, leading the government to say weakness is emerging in parts of the job market.
The government said it would monitor those signs closely.
Singapore recorded 4,800 layoffs in the third quarter of 2026, the highest number since the fourth quarter of 2020.
The figure rose from 4,620 in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Ministry of Manpower.
Overall unemployment remained at 2% in September, while rates for residents and citizens rose slightly from August.
The share of companies planning layoffs in the next three months increased to 3.1% from 2.8%.
Employment grew by 27,700 in the third quarter, faster than in the previous quarter.
- Who
- Singapore workers were affected by the layoffs.
- What
- Layoffs reached 4,800 in the third quarter of 2026, the highest level since late 2020.
- When
- The figures are for the third quarter of 2026. The overall unemployment rate was reported for September.
- Where
- Singapore.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Singapore recorded 5,640 layoffs.
Layoffs reached 4,620.
Unemployment rates were 2.9% for residents and 3% for citizens.
Layoffs rose to 4,800 and employment grew by 27,700.
Overall unemployment remained at 2%, while the rates for residents and citizens rose to 3% and 3.1%.
- Layoffs, third quarter 2026
- 4,800
- Layoffs, second quarter 2026
- 4,620
- Previous peak
- 5,640 in the fourth quarter of 2020
- Overall unemployment, September 2026
- 2%
- Companies planning layoffs
- 3.1%, up from 2.8%
- Employment growth, third quarter 2026
- 27,700
1 source
What people are saying
Layoffs remained high in outward-oriented sectors (sectors that depend on international markets)
Although the labor market continues to evolve, layoffs remain high. This, together with an increase in companies’ plans to lay off workers, points to emerging weaknesses in parts of the labor market that need to be monitored closely.