SINGAPORE: Singapore's overall unemployment rate fell to a three-year low of 1.9 per cent in March amid healthy economic growth and a tight labour market.
The unemployment rate was 2.2 per cent in December.
The Manpower Ministry (MOM) said fewer workers were laid off in the first three months of the year.
Employment creation was also fairly strong, though MOM said it has eased from the robust gains during the initial rebound from the 2009 recession.
Total employment rose by 28,300 in the first quarter, down from the seasonal high gains of 33,900 in the fourth quarter of 2010, driven by year-end hirings for the festive season.
The growth was also lower than the robust 36,500 in the first quarter of 2010, supported then by hirings arising from the Integrated Resorts and the strong job market rebound from the recession.
Most of the employment gains in the first quarter came from services (26,500).
All services industries expanded their workforce, led by community, social & personal services (9,000), professional services (4,400) and wholesale & retail trade (3,400).
Construction added 1,500 workers, recording an increase for the second consecutive quarter, supported by increase in public sector building activities.
Manufacturing registered small gains of 100.
