The figures, released by the manpower ministry (MOM) today in its quarterly labour market report, marked the increase in laid-off workers from 10,220 during the same period last year.

The figure is said to be the highest since the first nine months of 2009 when 21,210 workers were laid off.

MOM said in the third quarter, 4,220 workers were made redundant, down from the 4,800 in the previous quarter but higher than the 3,460 in the same quarter last year.

The report said professionals, managers, executives and technicians made up 73% of Singapore residents laid off. It said those with tertiary qualifications also formed the bulk of resident layoffs.

“The contraction in total employment, heightened redundancy levels and decline in job vacancies to unemployed ratio reflect the current subdued global economic conditions and ongoing economic restructuring,” the ministry said, adding that tripartite partners would help the affected find work.

The overall unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.1%. Among Singaporeans, the unemployment rate was 3% in September, down from 3.1% in June, and among residents, it was 2.9%, down from 3%.

The report showed, however, that more job seekers were taking a longer time to find work, with the resident long-term unemployment rate rising to 0.8% in September, up from 0.6% a year ago and the highest September rate since 2009.

Total employment shrank by 2,700, the first decline in more than a year.

MOM’s findings showed the decline was primarily due to contractions in the manufacturing and construction industries, affecting mainly work permit holders.

Over the first nine months, total employment grew by 14,500, but it was the lowest such growth since 2009.