Pedestrians cross a busy intersection in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong on Jan 4, 2022. (PETER PARKS / AFP)

HONG KONG – The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong decreased from 4.1 percent in the June-August period to 3.9 percent in the July-September period this year, according to the latest labor force statistics.

The underemployment rate also decreased over this period from 2.0 percent to 1.8 percent, data released by the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday showed. 

“The labor market improved further alongside the continued revival of domestic economic activities,” said Secretary for Labor and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han.

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Many major economic sectors saw a decrease in both the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate during the last three months. 

The labor market improved further alongside the continued revival of domestic economic activities.

Chris Sun, Secretary for Labor and Welfare, HKSAR

For the unemployment rate, more distinct decreases were observed in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector, and food and beverage service activities sector. 

As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the food and beverage service activities sector and education sector.

Total employment increased by around 19,600 from the June-August 2022 to 3,628,900 in the July-September period. Over the same period, the labor force also increased by around 13,000 to 3,784,200, the data showed.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 6,600 from 161,900 in June-August period, while the number of underemployed people fell by around 7,400 from 76,400.

Looking ahead, Sun said that the labor market outlook will depend on the extent of further revival of domestic economic activities. 

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“While the generally stable local epidemic situation and the Consumption Voucher Scheme should continue to support domestic demand, the tightened financial conditions may partially offset the positive effects,” he added.