SINGAPORE'S labour market is likely to see an upswing going into the final quarter of 2021, especially as the country gradually peels back border restrictions, economists said.

The signs seem promising so far, with the Republic's Q3 employment indicators showing an improvement across the board, compared with the previous quarter, according to advance data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Friday (Oct 29).

Total employment fell by 3,400, a lesser degree than the 16,300 shed in Q2. Non-resident workers made up the decline, said MOM, whereas resident employment grew more quickly in Q3 than in the earlier quarter. A full breakdown is expected in the final report due in December.