Worker layoffs in Singapore rise to 3,500 in Q3

WORKER layoffs in Singapore jumped to 3,500 in the third quarter from 2,410 in the second quarter as companies continued to restructure, according to the Ministry of Manpower's latest Labour Market Report.

But the jobless were quicker in finding another job as the rate of re-entry into employment within six months of redundancy improved for a second straight quarter.

Overall unemployment stayed low and steady from a quarter ago at a seasonally adjusted rate of 2 per cent in September.

Total employment rose by 33,400 in the third quarter, higher than the 27,700 increase in the preceding quarter.