Singapore’s job vacancies hit all-time high in 2021

The number of job vacancies in Singapore hit an all-time high in 2021, with nearly half of these roles comprising newly created positions, said the government. 

“If you take it all together, the record-high job vacancies, the growth in employment and falling unemployment, these are clear indications that our economy is recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, according to Business Times. 

In January, Singapore’s unemployment rates returned to pre-pandemic levels, dropping down to 2.3%, official data showed. 

In 2021, the number of new roles was most pronounced in growth industries like information and communications, financial and insurance services and professional services, and the construction sector, which had been particularly affected by border restrictions.

On the other hand, roles for professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMET) comprised 53% of the job roles, a figure which has been on a downward trend since 2020. 

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The Ministry of Manpower attributed the downward trend to the increased demand for non-PMET roles, such as construction labourers and electrical and electronic equipment assemblers, due to the closure of borders that temporarily restricted the inflow of workers who were typically hired to fill such roles.