According to the latest figures released by the government, the employment level in Singapore has remained low during the third quarter of the year.

The level of employment grew by 24,900 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to a growth of 31,900 in the same quarter of the previous year and 31,700 in the second quarter of 2012, according to the "Employment Situation, Third Quarter 2012" report released by the Ministry of Manpower.

The report also showed that the growth in employment slowed in the third quarter of 2012, after recording an increase in the previous quarter. The employment in the service sector grew from 21,200 in the third quarter of 2011 to 11,300 in the third quarter of 2012 and manufacturing from 3,900 to 3,700.

The construction sector continued to record high employment growth due to a major boost by public infrastructure projects. The employment in the construction sector grew by 9,800 during the third quarter of 2012 compared to 6,700 in the same quarter last year.

The figures also showed that layoffs increased during the quarter as 3,300 workers were laid off during the period. The layoffs were particularly noted in the electronics manufacturing and retail sectors in the country.