SINGAPORE: Singapore’s labour demand slowed in Q1 2025 amid economic uncertainty, with total employment increasing by only 2,300 and the unemployment rate slightly rising to 2.9%. While retrenchments fell to 3,300, business sentiment has turned cautious, indicating potential future softening in the labour market. The Ministry of Manpower noted that the decline in employment growth, particularly in outward-oriented sectors, reflects a deteriorating economic outlook.