Minister for Manpower: Mindful that Singapore’s unemployment rates remain elevated

Unemployment rates in April 2021 for residents and citizens declined marginally by 0.1%-point to 3.9% and 4.1% respectively.

Singapore’s Manpower Research and Statistics Department (MRSD) released (2 June) a report revealing the country’s unemployment situation in April 2021. It noted that, month-on-month, unemployment rates for both residents and citizens have declined marginally - by 0.1% to land at 3.9% and 4.1% respectively, pointing to an improved situation.

Even so, Singapore's overall unemployment rate remains unchanged at 2.9%. In February, it was at 3.0%; while in March, it was at 2.9%.

“92,100 residents were unemployed in April 2021, including 82,800 citizens,” MRSD reported.

That said, April’s numbers, in fact, showed positive signs, in the fairly significant drop recorded from September last year; which saw the unemployment rates for residents and citizens at 4.9% and 4.8% respectively, and the overall unemployment rate at 3.5%.

Sharing his thoughts on Facebook, Minister for Manpower, Dr Tan See Leng noted optimism on the country’s progression, while remaining guarded.

He said: “While I am thankful that our various partners and stakeholders have worked with us collectively to boost job matches and keep unemployment rates on a downward trend, I am also mindful that our unemployment rates remain elevated.”

“We will continue to monitor our unemployment rates closely, especially as businesses in certain sectors are again faced with challenges with the recent tightening of measures in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert).”

While Singaporeans now undergo quicker and more extensive vaccination processes after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s speech on Monday (31 May), Minister Tan urged businesses to tap on the suite of support schemes available to pivot and transform, in order to adapt to the new normal.

“For our jobseekers, support channels remain open. These include jobs, traineeships, attachments and training opportunities under the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, virtual career fairs and workshops organised by Workforce Singapore - WSG, as well as career guidance from career coaches and ambassadors. I want to assure jobseekers that we are with you at every step of your journey.”

Image/Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng's Facebook

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