The proportion is a 10-year high, and analysts say it shows that contrary to popular belief, Singaporeans have not unfairly borne the brunt of layoffs in the current recession.

'A lot of foreigners are employed in lower-skilled service industries which slowed down in the later part of last year, so they have been affected,' said Nanyang Technological University economist Choy Keen Meng.

A total of 16,880 workers lost their jobs last year, double the figure for 2007. Of these, 13,920 were retrenched and 2,970 had their contracts terminated prematurely.

The bulk of those in the latter group - 2,380 - were foreigners.

Of the 13,920 retrenched, 9,770 were locals - Singaporeans and permanent residents - and 4,140 foreigners.

As MOM pointed out, the proportion of foreigners laid off last year broadly reflects their presence in the workforce.

Foreigners made up 36 per cent of Singapore's workforce last December.

In actual numbers, they form 1.2 million of Singapore'sl population in June, driving it to a record 4.84 million.

The number of layoffs last year is the highest since 2003.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.