Singapore hiring momentum accelerates in Q3 as job gains more than double

Singapore’s job market got stronger in the third quarter of 2025, with companies hiring much faster, even though global uncertainty is still weighing down industries that rely on trade.

New numbers from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) show that total employment grew by 24,800 jobs between July and September—more than twice the number of jobs added in the quarter before. This jump came from hiring both locals and foreigners, showing steady local demand and ongoing need for people in key sectors.

Jobs for locals kept rising, mainly in areas like healthcare, social services, and financial services. These fields have stayed strong because Singapore’s population is getting older, and the finance sector keeps attracting investment and new ideas.

However, hiring was slower in global-facing sectors like professional services and technology. MOM pointed out that tough worldwide trade conditions and slower international demand are still making it hard for these industries to hire more people.

Job cuts (retrenchments) stayed flat at 3,500 during the quarter, with companies restructuring being the main reason. Despite some adjustments in certain areas, unemployment remained low—it was 2.8% for residents and 3% for citizens—meaning rates are holding steady at healthy levels similar to those before the pandemic.

The number of foreign workers mainly went up in construction and manufacturing. Economists say this reflects major infrastructure projects currently underway, as well as sustained demand in production despite international trade turbulence.

Looking ahead, hiring sentiment has nudged upward. About 44% of employers expect to add roles in the coming months, slightly higher than the previous quarter. But caution remains: wage growth could moderate, and companies exposed to global demand may take a restrained approach to manpower spending.

Economists expect recruitment to remain positive but uneven, with healthcare, banking and domestic infrastructure activity continuing to anchor job creation.