Inaccurate Statements About the Labour Market

In a Facebook post published by Mr Leong Sze Hian on 26 December 2021, he claimed that:

1. The number of unemployed Singapore citizens grew from March 2021 to June 2021; and

2. The majority of professional, managerial, executive and technical (PMET) jobs were held by foreigners.

Mr Leong’s claims are inaccurate. Here are the facts based on the data:

1. Did the number of unemployed Singapore citizens increase from March 2021 to June 2021?

When analysing unemployment trends across quarters, one should look at the seasonally adjusted numbers. Over the course of the year, unemployment levels may fluctuate due to seasonal events. This includes major holidays when where retail and F&B outlets typically increase hiring and school breaks when more students may temporarily enter the job market.

In its regular releases, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reports the seasonally adjusted unemployment rates and number of unemployed citizens. From March 2021 to June 2021, the seasonally adjusted number of unemployed citizens decreased by 10,400. It then held steady from June to September 2021.

Using the non-seasonally adjusted number of unemployed citizens will lead to the wrong conclusion. June coincides with the period when students look for vacation jobs, and fresh graduates enter the labour market. Hence, the number of job seekers will be expectedly higher compared to other months. Seasonal adjustment removes this effect, and the seasonally adjusted numbers show that unemployment in fact trended down from March to June 2021, as reflected in the table below.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Manpower Research & Statistics Department, MOM

2. Are the majority of PMET jobs held by foreigners?

Foreigners account for 22% of all PMET jobs in 2020¹.  They are not the majority holding PMET jobs. From 2010 to 2020, the number of local PMETs increased by about 300,000, while the number of Employment Pass and S Pass holders increased by 110,000. This means that not only are there more locals in PMET jobs, the increase in local PMETs significantly outnumbered the increase in foreign PMETs by around 3:1.

Competition between locals and foreigners is not a zero-sum game. In fact, the converse is true. By complementing the local workforce with a diverse foreign workforce, Singapore can attract more investments, grow the economy, and create more good jobs for Singaporeans.

Find MOM’s Labour Market releases here.

 ¹ Foreigners holding PMET jobs refer to Employment Pass and S Pass holders.