Resident unemployment up at 3%, says MOM

And citizen unemployment edged up to 3.1%.

A report released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reveals that unemployment inched up in 3Q15. Resident unemployment saw an increase to 3% from 2.8%. Citizens fared just as badly, as last quarter’s 2.9% unemployment inched up to 3.1%. The overall seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at a low 2.0%, however.

Overall employment, however, was noted to be on the up, growing by 16,400 in 2015’s third quarter. Despite being faster than 2Q15’s growth, this quarter’s growth is still slower than last year’s 33,400. Services (17,000) and construction (3,800) provided the bulk of 3Q15’s rise in employment, while manufacturing suffered through a 4,300 dip in employment, making 3Q15 the fourth consecutive quarter manufactured experienced a decrease.

There were also 2,900 layoffs in 3Q15, which is fewer than last quarter’s 3,250.

MOM assured locals, though, that it and Singapore Work Development Agency are ready to help displaced locals “re-skill and upgrade so that they are able to take on new jobs.”