Chart of the Day: Construction sector employment shrinks by 7,100 in 2018

This was attributed to a moderation in the decline in Work Permit Holders.

Employment in Singapore's construction sector continued to contract in 2018 albeit at a slower pace as the number of employed workers fell by 7,100 in 2018, according to the Ministry of Manpower.

This compares to the 38,300 decline in the previous year amidst a moderation in decline in Work Permit Holders.

Productivity in the construction sector increased by 2.0% in 2018, reversing the decline of 1.3% in 2017.

The Ministry of Manpower stated that the construction output is likely to see a turnaround this year after three consecutive years of contraction. An increase in construction activities is expected in the next few quarters, resulting from a pickup in contracts since the second half of 2017.

The improvement in public and private sector construction works could help rebound the employment in the said sector.