According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for August - October 2022) released today (November 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.9% in July - September 2022 to 3.8% in August - October 2022. The underemployment rate also decreased from 1.8% in July - September 2022 to 1.7% in August - October 2022.
      
     Comparing August - October 2022 with July - September 2022, many major economic sectors saw a decrease in both the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate. For the unemployment rate, more distinct decreases were observed in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; retail sector; and food and beverage service activities sector. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; food and beverage service activities sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector.
      
     Total employment increased by around 19 700 from 3 628 900 in July - September 2022 to 3 648 600 in August - October 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 11 800 from 3 784 200 to 3 796 000.
      
     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 7 900 from 155 300 in July - September 2022 to 147 400 in August - October 2022. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 5 600 from 69 000 to 63 400.
                 
Commentary
      
     Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun said, "The labour market continued to improve alongside the revival of domestic economic activities. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage point from July - September 2022 to 3.8% in August - October 2022. The underemployment rate also declined by 0.1 percentage point to 1.7%. Total employment increased by 19 700 to 3 648 600. The number of unemployed persons fell by 7 900 to 147 400."
      
     Analysed by sector, the combined unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors (viz. retail, accommodation and food services sectors) fell by 0.6 percentage point from the preceding three-month period to 5.2% in August - October 2022. Among these sectors, the unemployment rate for food and beverage service activities fell by 0.8 percentage point to 5.4%, and that of the retail sector declined by 0.5 percentage point to 5.2%. The unemployment rates of many other sectors also declined, particularly the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector.
      
     Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The short-term outlook for the labour market will depend on the performance of domestic economic activities. The tightened financial conditions will continue to constrain demand. Nonetheless, as long as the epidemic remains under control and anti-epidemic measures are suitably relaxed, coupled with the help of the Consumption Voucher Scheme, economic activities should gradually return to normal."
      
     On large-scale job fairs, the Labour Department (LD) will organise the Building a Multicultural Workplace Job Fair at the Southorn Stadium on November 24 and 25, 2022. Over 40 employers will participate, offering a large number of vacancies from various industries. In August - October 2022, LD recorded a monthly average of 110 076 vacancies from the private sector, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.9% and a decrease of 0.4% over the average figure in July - September 2022. Job-seekers may make use of the LD's online platforms such as the Interactive Employment Service website for obtaining such vacancy information.
      
Further information
      
     The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
      
     In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
      
     The survey for August - October 2022 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 69 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of August to October 2022.
      
     Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
      
     Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=D5250021&scode=200). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the publication contains statistics for the quarter April - June 2022 while the next issue covering the quarter July - September 2022 will be available by end November 2022. Users can also download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
      
     For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, November 17, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:30

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