Chart of the Day: Check out which sectors have the most anemic hiring environments

Unemployment rate remained flat at 1.9%.

While unemployment levels have declined for both residents and citizens, some sectors have been experiencing weak hiring appetites, particularly in the transport & precision engineering and general manufacturing sectors.

According to a report by OCBC, the sectors are expected to see further reduction in hiring in the second quarter.

“In general, manufacturing employment fell (-1,900) in all in 1Q16, suggesting the poor manufacturing environment,” OCBC noted.

Meanwhile, industry-wise sectors including services (+13,200 workers), community, social & personal services (+8,600), financial & insurance sectors (+1,900) and transportation & storage (+1,800) saw sustained labor demand.

However, OCBC was also quick to note that the gains in employment were then offset by industries such as retail trade (-700) and accommodation (-400).