Hong Kong’s unemployment improves in September-November quarter

Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in the September-November quarter, from 4.3% in the August-October period, registering its lowest since the December 2019-February 2020 period, according to official data. 

“With the local epidemic situation remaining under control, the local economic and labour market conditions should continue to improve,” said Law Chi-kwong, Secretary for Labour and Welfare.

Across most sectors, the unemployment rates of most industries fell in the September-November quarter as compared with the preceding three month period. The unemployment rate of the consumption and tourism related industries fell by 0.6% to 6.3%. 

Over the same period, total employment rose by around 6,800 to 3.67 million. The number of job roles in the private sector amounted to 54,560, representing an increase of 40% or 15,650 year-on-year.

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“To strengthen the foundation for a broad-based economic recovery, it is essential for the community to strive towards more widespread vaccination and abide by the anti-epidemic measures. The government will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Law said.