SINGAPORE’S unemployment rates continued to stay low in April, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Monday (Jun 6).

The overall unemployment rate held steady at 2.2 per cent, the same as the month before.

Resident unemployment was also the same as the month before at 3 per cent, while citizen unemployment dipped slightly to 3.1 per cent, from 3.2 per cent previously.

There were 72,400 unemployed residents in April, of whom 64,800 were citizens.

The ministry began releasing monthly unemployment rates during the pandemic, for August 2020 onwards. Previously, they were released only on a quarterly basis.

“As the improving economy continues to drive the demand for workers and hiring expectations among firms were positive, we expect unemployment rates to stay low amid a tight labour market,” said MOM.

GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY

Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign UpVIEW ALL

Still, it noted that there are some downside risks, such as Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the prolonged global supply disruptions. These could moderate labour demand, said MOM.