Singapore creates 45,000 new jobs in 1st quarter

Singapore's employment grew strongly by 45,000 in the 1st quarter of this year, more than double the increase of 17,800 in the same period last year. All the major sectors registered increases in employment.

This increase is due to sustained economic growth.

The unemployment is remaining steady at 2.6 per cent in March, and jobs outlook is set to improve in the coming months as more companies beef up their workforce.

This sentiment was shared by economists and manpower consultants who see the beginning of an employees' market, with jobs chasing workers, rather than the other way round.

They attribute the tightening labour market to continued economic growth.

The economy grew at a robust pace of 10.7 per cent between January and March, and the Government believes it will expand by 5 to 7 per cent this year.